Neutrino changes chlorine to argon

In summary, a neutrino has the ability to convert atoms of chlorine-37 into argon-37 and atoms of gallium-71 into germanium-71 by changing a neutron into a proton and an electron. This results in an increase of 1 in the number of protons, a decrease of 1 in the number of neutrons, and no change in the sum of the two (37 and 71). This may seem confusing, but it is a well-known phenomenon in physics.
  • #1
Zman
96
0
A neutrino converts a chlorine-37 atom into one of argon-37
A neutrino is also able to react with an atom of gallium-71, converting it into an atom of germanium-71

It looks to me as if the neutrino was changing into a proton in both cases as argon has 1 more proton than chlorine and likewise with germanium and gallium.
But this really doesn't seem right.

Can somebody explain?

 
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  • #2
It converts a neutron into a proton plus an electron. The number of protons increases by 1, the number of neutrons decreases by 1, their sum (37 and 71 respectively) does not change.
 
  • #3
A slightly embarrassed thanks. Haven't touched physics for a while.
 

What is a neutrino?

A neutrino is a subatomic particle that has no electric charge and very little mass. It is one of the fundamental particles that make up the universe.

How does a neutrino change chlorine to argon?

A neutrino interacts with the nucleus of a chlorine atom, causing it to change into an isotope of argon through a process called neutrino capture.

Why is this process important?

This process is important because it allows scientists to detect and measure the presence of neutrinos, which can provide valuable information about the processes happening in the universe.

What are the implications of this discovery?

The discovery that neutrinos can change one element into another has opened up new possibilities for studying the properties of these elusive particles and understanding the dynamics of the universe.

Is this process safe for humans?

Yes, this process occurs naturally in the universe and poses no harm to humans. However, artificially creating and manipulating neutrinos for scientific purposes requires strict safety protocols and precautions.

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