Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen whose nucleus triton contains 2 neutrons and 1 proton . Free neutrons decay into `p+bar(e) +bar(n).` If one of the n
Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen whose nucleus triton contains 2 neutrons and 1 proton . Free neutrons decay into `p+bar(e) +bar(n).` If one of the neutrons in Triton decays , it would transform into `He^(3)` nucleus. This does not happen. This is because
A. Triton energy is than that of `He^(3)` nucleus
B. the electron created in the beta decay process cannot remain in the nucleus
C. both the neutons in triton have to decay simulataneouslu resulting in a nucleus with 3 protons which is not a `He^(3)` nuclesu.
D. Free neutrons decay due to external perturbations which is absent in triton nucleus
1 Answers
Correct Answer - a
Tritium `(._(1)H^(3))` contains 1 proton and 2 neutrons A neutron decays as `n to p+ bar(e) + bar(v),` the nucleus may have 2 protons and one neutron i.e. tritium will transform into `2He^(3)` (2 protons and 1 neutron).
Triton energy is less than that of `2He^(3)` nucleuse i.e., transformation is not allowed energetically.