Cryptocurrency Q&A
Why is neutron unstable?
Why is neutron unstable?
ShadowFox
Wed Nov 20 2024
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5 answers
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I am wondering why neutrons are unstable. I understand that they are subatomic particles, but what causes their instability? Is it related to their structure or the way they interact with other particles?
5 answers
JejuSunshineSoulMate
Fri Nov 22 2024
The process of neutron decay is energetically favorable due to a fundamental property of mass.
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CryptoAce
Fri Nov 22 2024
Specifically, a free neutron has a mass that exceeds the combined mass of a proton and an electron, which are the particles it decays into.
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BlockchainMastermind
Fri Nov 22 2024
This mass difference is converted into energy during the decay process, adhering to the principles of Einstein's equation E=mc^1.
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Sofia
Fri Nov 22 2024
However, the scenario changes when a neutron is paired with a proton within the nucleus of an atom.
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CryptoWanderer
Thu Nov 21 2024
In such cases, the decay of the neutron into a proton and electron is not energetically feasible.
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