Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

A neutron consists of one up ($u$) quark together with two down ($d$) quarks. If a neutron changes into a proton, a beta-particle is released. What change occurs in the neutron’s quark structure as a result of the emission of the beta-particle? (The symbol for a neutrino is $\nu_e$ and for an antineutrino is $\overline{\nu}_e$.)

  • A$d \rightarrow u + \beta^- + \nu_e$
  • B$d \rightarrow u + \beta^- + \overline{\nu}_e$
  • C$u \rightarrow d + \beta^+ + \nu_e$
  • D$u \rightarrow d + \beta^+ + \overline{\nu}_e$

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