Q71 / 90 · JEE Main 2021 (18 Mar Shift 2) · Physics

The decay of a proton to neutron is :

  • A
    not possible as proton mass is less than the neutron mass
  • Correct answer
    B
    possible only inside the nucleus
  • C
    not possible but neutron to proton conversion is possible
  • D
    always possible as it is associated only with β+ decay

Solution

It is possible only inside the nucleus and not otherwise as it can not decay to a state of greater mass. Inside a nucleus however, the situation is different, as the binding energy of a nucleus provides the necessary energy to compensate for the neutron-proton mass difference.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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