What happens during neutron decay?

During neutron decay, a neutron transforms into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino.

Neutron decay, also known as beta decay, is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a neutron in an atom's nucleus transforms into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. This process can occur in two ways: beta-minus decay and beta-plus decay. In beta-minus decay, a neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino. In beta-plus decay, a proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino.

During beta-minus decay, the neutron emits a W- boson, which then decays into an electron and an antineutrino. The electron is emitted from the nucleus, while the antineutrino is emitted into space. The proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number of the atom by one. This process is important in nuclear reactors and weapons, as it can cause a chain reaction that releases a large amount of energy.

In beta-plus decay, the proton emits a W+ boson, which then decays into a positron and a neutrino. The positron is emitted from the nucleus, while the neutrino is emitted into space. The neutron remains in the nucleus, decreasing the atomic number of the atom by one. This process is less common than beta-minus decay, but it is important in medical imaging, as it can be used to detect positron-emitting isotopes in the body.