Neutron Decay Into Proton: Hawking's New Book

[jnorman]

can a neutron decay into a proton? i certainly didnt think so, but i am reading hawking's new little book "breifer history of time", and he states that in there while talking about the early universe. thanks.

 

[daveb]

Yes, a free neutron decays with a half life of between 10 and 12 minutes (depends on the source used, but most sources put it closer to 11 minutes) to a proton electron and antineutrino. A neutron inside a nucleus can also decay similarly, depending on whether the atom is a neutron heavy radioactive atom.