Applications of conservation laws Flashcards – AQA A-level Physics (7408)

Which interaction is responsible for beta decay?

The weak interaction.

What quark-flavour change converts a neutron into a proton in beta-minus decay? Include the quark compositions.

A down quark changes into an up quark: $udd \to uud$.

What is the particle equation for beta-minus decay?

$n \to p + e^- + \bar{\nu}_e$

What quark-flavour change converts a proton into a neutron in beta-plus decay? Include the quark compositions.

An up quark changes into a down quark: $uud \to udd$.

What is the particle equation for beta-plus decay?

$p \to n + e^+ + \nu_e$

What do the emitted leptons account for in beta decay?

The changes in charge and lepton number.