Weak force holds neutrons together?

[granpa]

I have been given the impression that the weak force is what holds the neutron together (preventing it from decaying to an electron and proton)
and that the neutron eventually decayed, despite this weak force, by 'tunneling out'

Is that right or am I way off?

 

[bcrowell]

No, that's not right.

 

[tom.stoer]

The weak force is responsible for the decay. This decay is not suppressed - free neutrons _do_ decay.

The binding of quarks in the neutron is due to the strong force. The residual strong force which holds protons and neutrons together in nuclei _does_ suppress the decay of the neutron