A free neutron decays to a proton but a free proton does no…

Physics Atomic and Nuclear Physics Nucleus, Nuclear Reaction MCQ (Single Correct)

A free neutron decays to a proton but a free proton does not decay to a neutron. This is because

neutron is a composite particle made of a proton and an electron whereas proton is fundamental particle

neutron is an uncharged particle whereas proton is a charged particle

neutron has larger rest mass than the proton

weak forces can operate in a neutron but not in a proton.

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The correct answer is:

As a proton is lighter than a neutron, proton can not be converted into neutron without providing energy from outside. Reverse is possible. The weak interaction force is responsible in both the processes (i) conversion of p to n and (ii) conversion of n to p.

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