Free neutrons (unlike those in the nucleus of an atom) decay spontaneously into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The masses of these particles are (approx.) :
M_n = 1.67492 × 10^-27 kg
M_p = 1.67262 × 10^-27 kg
M_e = 9.10939 × 10^-31 kg
The mass of the neutrino is zero (or nearly so) . How much energy is released in this decay?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of Free neutrons (unlike those in the nucleus of an atom) decay spontaneously into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The masses of these particles are (approx.): M_n = 1.67492 × 10^-27 kg M_p = 1.67262 × 10^-27 kg M_e = 9.10939 × 10^-31 kg The mass of the neutrino is zero (or nearly so). How much energy is released in this decay? A) 1.01 × 10^-14 J B) 1.25 × 10^-13 J C) 4.66 × 10^-12 J D) 7.08 × 10^-13 J E) 5.61 × 10^-12 J

Free Neutrons (Unlike Those in the Nucleus of an Atom)