Do neutrons ever split into protons and electrons?
I recently read that neutron stars form when great pressure causes protons and electrons to coalesce and become neutrons. Does the opposite ever occur?
I recently read that neutron stars form when great pressure causes protons and electrons to coalesce and become neutrons. Does the opposite ever occur?
billrussell42
Favorite Answer
yes.
Outside the nucleus, free neutrons are unstable and have a mean lifetime of about 14 minutes, 42 seconds, into proton, electron and electron antineutrino
lunchtime_browser
Look up beta particles or beta radiation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/atoms_radiation/nuclearradiationrev9.shtml