Value: x=0.183 MeV Hint: Compare the new rest energy of the neutron to the electron and consider how that would impact the decay of neutrons.  Will free neutrons decay at all in this scenario?  If the neutron decay is negligible, then the ratio of protons to neutrons to protons will remain the same as it was at the time of freeze-out (for a given Qn).

icon
Related questions
Question

Suppose the difference in rest energy of the neutron and proton were Qn = (mn − mp)c2 = x MeV instead of Qn = 1.29MeV, with all other physical parameters unchanged. Estimate Ymax, the maximum possible mass fraction in 4He, assuming that all available neutrons are incorporated into 4He nuclei.

Value: x=0.183 MeV

Hint: Compare the new rest energy of the neutron to the electron and consider how that would impact the decay of neutrons.  Will free neutrons decay at all in this scenario?  If the neutron decay is negligible, then the ratio of protons to neutrons to protons will remain the same as it was at the time of freeze-out (for a given Qn).

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS