- #1
Xcellerator
- 8
- 0
I understand how beta decay works on a fundamental level, in that either an up or down quark in the one of the nucleons decays into an up or down quark and in the process, a W boson is emitted which in turn decays into an electron and an electron antineutrino or opposites thereof depending on which quark decayed.
What I don't understand is how the W boson is formed in the first place.
Also, in Beta- decay, a neutron 'decays' into a proton which I can understand because a proton is smaller than a neutron. What happens to that excess mass, I also don't know - does it go towards the W boson?
If that's the case, then how can a proton 'decay' into a neutron - gaining mass?
Thanks for any insight...
What I don't understand is how the W boson is formed in the first place.
Also, in Beta- decay, a neutron 'decays' into a proton which I can understand because a proton is smaller than a neutron. What happens to that excess mass, I also don't know - does it go towards the W boson?
If that's the case, then how can a proton 'decay' into a neutron - gaining mass?
Thanks for any insight...