What's the Heat of Formation of Proton, Neutron and Electron?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the thermodynamics of electron capture, specifically the reaction where a proton absorbs an electron to form a neutron, an electron neutrino, and energy. This process is thermodynamically disfavored due to a significant energy barrier, similar to the fusion of hydrogen into helium. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of energy input to initiate the reaction, followed by a substantial release of energy, contributing to an increase in universal entropy. Participants aim to calculate the entropy change associated with this reaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts
  • Knowledge of neutron and proton interactions
  • Basic grasp of entropy and energy conservation laws
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermodynamics of electron capture reactions
  • Study the principles of entropy change in nuclear reactions
  • Explore the energy barriers in proton-electron interactions
  • Investigate neutron decay processes and their implications
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of thermodynamics, and anyone interested in nuclear reactions and entropy calculations will benefit from this discussion.

CutterMcCool
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I'm thinking about the thermodynamics of electron capture:

p + e --- n + v(e) + energy

(That is, proton absorbs electron to give neutron, electron neutrino and energetic photons.)

This is thermodynamically disfavored given the substantial energy barrier to fusion to a neutron (analogous to stellar fusion of hydrogen to helium) so it must involve a tremendous release of energy (increase in entropy) when it occurs.

Ultimately I'm looking to calculate the increase in universal entropy that the entropy change in this system provides.
 
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The reaction your describing has energy going the wrong way. A neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and neutrino. In order to go the other way you have to add energy.
 
Yes that's correct, energy must be input to initiate this. But (disordered) energy also comes out on the backside after energy is put in.
 

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