The discussion centers on the behavior of neutrons, positrons, and alpha particles as they travel through space, particularly focusing on energy loss, velocity changes, and the effects of atmospheric molecules. It explores concepts related to energy conservation and particle interactions in various environments.
Participants express differing views on whether particles maintain their energy levels without interaction. While some suggest indefinite travel without energy loss, others highlight the decay of free neutrons, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the effects of atmospheric interactions and energy conservation.
The discussion includes assumptions about the interactions of particles with atmospheric molecules and the implications of energy conservation, which are not fully explored or defined. The half-life of free neutrons introduces a temporal limitation that is not universally acknowledged by all participants.
Yeshebejere said:or is it like the conservation of energy wherein something will maintain its energy level only if interacted with. ie with no atoms to strike a neutron will continue on indefinitely at the same energy. yes?
Neutrons are neutral particles; they interact through collisions with atomic nuclei. Electrons/positrons and alpha particles are charged, and therefore interact coulombically with atomic electrons and occasionally with nuclei. In those interactions, the neutron or charge particle will lose kinetic energy.hebejere said:this is really basic I know but i would like to know if a neutron ,positron or alpha particle of a given energy will lose energy and velocity as it travels through space would atmospheric molecules have a significant effect as well on velocity/energy level. and if they do lose energy what form is that energy in?