Concept explainers
Why is it that a neutron decays via the weak interaction even though the neutron and one of its decay products (proton)are strongly interacting?
Answer to Problem 6Q
Solution:
The reason is because neutron decay occurs in the weak force range. That is, 10-18 m. Strong force interacts in a range of 10-15 m
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
The neutron decay scheme can be shown below:
Or, in terms of Feynman’s diagram we have:
According to the Feynman diagram given above, neutron decay occurs through the boson. This boson interacts with a range of 0.1% of the diameter of the proton, that is; in the range of 10-18m, in this range the interactions are dominated by the weak force changing the identity of a quark down by a quark up. Although, the intensity of the strong force is greater than the weak force, but; its range is on the order of 10-15 m, which is to say approximately the average diameter of a nucleus.
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Physics: Principles with Applications
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