Neutrons, positrons, and alpha particles lose energy and velocity as they travel through space due to interactions with atmospheric molecules and other particles. Neutrons, being neutral, primarily interact through collisions with atomic nuclei, while charged particles like positrons and alpha particles engage in Coulombic interactions with atomic electrons and nuclei. These interactions result in a loss of kinetic energy. Additionally, free neutrons have a half-life of approximately 10 minutes, leading to their decay into protons and electrons, further confirming that they do not travel indefinitely in space.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on particle physics, nuclear physics, and anyone interested in the behavior of subatomic particles in various environments.
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?