The fact that the reaction ³⁷Cl + → ³⁷Ar + e^- is not observed whereas the reaction p + → n + e⁺ is observed is understandable in terms of the conservation of A) baryon number. B) energy. C) lepton number. D) charge. E) angular momentum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed reaction involves the creation of an electron and an antineutrino, which both have lepton number +1. The final state also includes an antineutrino, which has lepton number -1. Therefore, the total lepton number is conserved in this reaction. In contrast, the unobserved reaction involves the creation of a chloride ion, which has zero lepton number, and the final state includes an argon atom, which also has zero lepton number. Therefore, the lepton number is not conserved in the unobserved reaction.

The Fact That the Reaction 37Cl + →

The Fact That the Reaction ³⁷Cl + →