# Proton electron fusion

1. Jan 26, 2009

### Relena

Is this reaction possible , i mean bombarding a 1H target with an electron to form a neutron

that's all what i want to know

2. Jan 26, 2009

### malawi_glenn

3. Jan 26, 2009

Staff Emeritus
Not exactly. The reaction $e + p \rightarrow n + \nu$ can occur, but you need the outgoing neutrino. This would be called scattering and not fusion.

4. Jan 27, 2009

### Sideways

5. Jan 28, 2009

### Relena

OK

the reaction it self to be defined as fusion or electron capture that's the point
so the reaction p + e− → n + νe needs additonal energy to occur

i .e the mass of electron and proton still needs about 782.33 KeV to yield a neutron and an electron antineutrino

so the reaction can never generate energy as it is endothermic

but can the energy of electron be used , i mean an electron of around 800 KeV hitting a proton would this yield a neutron?

thanks alot

6. Jan 28, 2009

### malawi_glenn

The reaction can take place, if that is what you are asking.

7. Jan 28, 2009

### Relena

Ok but what's the mechanism?

8. Jan 28, 2009

### malawi_glenn

weak interaction, you got the hint "google 'inverse beta decay'"