What is it called when a neutron decays into a proton?

Beta decay occurs when, in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other. In beta minus decay, a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino: n Æ p + e – +.

Why is a free neutron unstable but a free proton is a stable particle?

A free neutron is unstable, decaying to a proton, electron and antineutrino with a mean lifetime of just under 15 minutes (879.6±0.8 s). This radioactive decay, known as beta decay, is possible because the mass of the neutron is slightly greater than the proton. The free proton is stable.

Is a beta particle emitted when an electron in an unstable nucleus is emitted?

Beta decay occurs when an unstable nucleus emits a beta particle and energy. A beta particle is either an electron or a positron. An electron is a negatively charged particle, and a positron is a positively charged electron (or anti-electron). When the beta particle is an electron, the decay is called beta-minus decay.

Why is free neutron unstable?

This radioactive decay, known as beta decay, is possible because the mass of the neutron is slightly greater than the proton. The free proton is stable. The neutron is unstable in a nucleus when the mass of this nucleus is higher than the sum of the masses of the daughter nucleus + electron + antineutrino.

What happens when a free neutron decays?

While neutrons are stable inside many nuclei, free neutrons decay with a lifetime of about 15 minutes. The neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino of the electron type.

Why does a neutron become a proton in beta decay?

Protons and neutrons consist of fundamental particles called quarks. A down quark within the neutron transforms into an up quark, changing the neutron into a proton (and changing the atomic element as a result).

Why a free neutron is unstable?

Why does a free proton not decay in a neutron?

neutron has large rest mass than the proton. Since a neutron has larger rest mass than a proton, the Q-value of its decay reaction is positive and a free neutron decays to a proton, while an isolated proton cannot decay to a neutron as the Q-value of its decay reaction is negative. Hence, it is physically not possible.

What particle is emitted in beta decay?

positron
In nuclear physics, beta decay (β-decay) is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (fast energetic electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, transforming the original nuclide to an isobar of that nuclide.

Why neutron is unstable than proton?