Proton decay [was: Are atoms 'perpetual machines'?]

In summary, there are two theories regarding proton decay - one is that they do not decay at all, and the other is that they decay into a positron and a neutral pion, which then decays into two gamma ray photons. Other decay scenarios are also possible, but their accuracy is uncertain. This information can be found on Wikipedia's page on proton decay.
  • #1
ice109
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don't all atoms decay? don't even protons decay?
 
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  • #2


To my knowledge, a proton decay has never been observed, and the two theories are either "They do not decay" or "They decay, but have a very long half-life".

V
 
  • #3


If protons are to decay, what do they decay to?
 
  • #4


One theory suggests that a proton, if it decays at all, decays into a positron and a neutral pion that itself then decays into 2 gamma ray photons. And apparently, other decay scenarios are possible. I read that in WiKi, but not sure how accurate I translated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_decay
 

1. What is proton decay?

Proton decay is a hypothetical process in which a proton, one of the building blocks of atoms, decays into other particles. This phenomenon has not been observed yet, but it is predicted by some theories of particle physics.

2. Why is proton decay important?

If proton decay is observed, it would have significant implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. It could also help explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe and the origin of dark matter.

3. How is proton decay different from radioactive decay?

Proton decay is a different process from radioactive decay, which involves the spontaneous breakdown of unstable atomic nuclei. Proton decay, on the other hand, would involve a fundamental change in the structure of a proton itself.

4. Can we detect proton decay?

Scientists have been searching for evidence of proton decay for decades, but so far there have been no confirmed observations. This is because proton decay is predicted to be a very rare event and requires incredibly sensitive equipment to detect.

5. What would happen if protons could decay?

If protons were found to decay, it would have far-reaching consequences for our understanding of the universe. It would challenge our current understanding of the conservation of baryon number and could potentially lead to a new era of particle physics research.

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