- #1
jayaramas
- 30
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life of a single free neutron is nearly 15 min. what is the life if 2 are more neutrons adhering together? will it increase or same?
AdrianTheRock said:Well, I don't understand the maths, but the neutrons in a neutron star are prevented from collapsing indefinitely by what is called degeneracy pressure. This results from the Pauli exclusion principle - neutrons are fermions so no two can exist in the same state. The same condition applies to the protons and electrons they would have to decay into, and it must turn out that those states would have higher energy.
Actually, thinking about this now prompts a question in my mind: are neutron stars composed solely of neutrons, or are there still a limited number of proton and electron states available, with the numbers in each state determined by the respective energy levels?
The lifespan of neutrons adhering together varies depending on the specific circumstances and environment. In free space, the average lifespan is about 880 seconds (or around 14 and a half minutes). However, in the nucleus of an atom, the lifespan can be significantly shorter due to the presence of other particles.
Neutrons adhere together through the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in physics. This force acts between nucleons (protons and neutrons) and is responsible for holding the nucleus of an atom together. The strong nuclear force is incredibly powerful but only acts over very short distances.
The lifespan of neutrons adhering together can vary depending on the element they are a part of. This is because the number of protons and neutrons in an atom affects the stability of the nucleus. Elements with a higher number of protons and neutrons tend to have shorter lifespans for their neutrons, while elements with a more balanced number of nucleons may have longer lifespans.
Yes, the lifespan of neutrons adhering together can be extended through nuclear reactions such as fission and fusion. In these reactions, the nuclei of atoms split apart or combine, releasing energy and potentially creating new elements. This process can also result in the creation of more stable isotopes with longer-lived neutrons.
The lifespan of neutrons adhering together plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions. In fission reactions, the lifespan of a neutron can determine if it will cause a chain reaction and release more energy. In fusion reactions, the lifespan of neutrons can affect the stability of the resulting element and whether or not it will undergo further reactions. Understanding the lifespan of neutrons is essential in controlling and harnessing nuclear energy.