The decay: n → p + e^- + v_e does not occur as it would violate conservation of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay n → p + e⁻ + vₑ is a beta decay process where a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino. In this process, lepton number conservation must be maintained. The neutron has a lepton number of 0, while the electron has a lepton number of +1 and the electron antineutrino has a lepton number of -1, thus conserving the lepton number. However, if the neutrino was not included, the lepton number would not be conserved.

The Decay: N → P + E- + Ve Does

The Decay: N → P + E^- + V_e Does