Q 12-13-040JEE MainJEE Main 2025 (28 Jan, Shift 1)Easy
Choose the correct nuclear process from the below options [$p$: proton, $n$: neutron, $e^-$: electron, $e^+$: positron, $\nu$: neutrino, $\bar\nu$: antineutrino]
Answer: (D) $n \to p + e^- + \bar\nu$
In $\beta^-$ decay a neutron turns into a proton.
- Charge: $0 = +1 + (-1)$, so the emitted lepton must be an electron $e^-$.
- Lepton number: $0 = +1$ (electron) $+ (-1)$, so it must be accompanied by an antineutrino $\bar\nu$.
$$n \to p + e^- + \bar\nu$$
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics