What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
(OP)
I was reading in article that mentioned that if the proton were a little heavier than the neutron, all protons would have turned into neutrons. Can someone explain why this is so?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.





RE: What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
Not sure if you're in the right forum or perhaps even the right site...that being said a simple web search turned up the following:
Protons can transform into neutrons through the process of electron capture. This process does not occur spontaneously but only when energy is supplied.
Energy is required because, in energy units, the masses are: Proton: 938.272 MeV, neutron: 939.566 MeV, mass difference = 1.293 MeV, electron: 0.511 Mev.
Presumably if the proton were heavier then less energy would be required for the transition. This ignores the effect of increased proton mass on the rest of subatomic physics and the standard model, about which i'm no expert!
Regards, HM
No more things should be presumed to exist than are absolutely necessary - William of Occam
RE: What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
The Universe wouldn't exist - that's the answer.
RE: What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
RE: What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron
RE: What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron