How long do free neutrons live until they decay? This has been a hotly debated topic, because different measurement techniques lead to different results. A possible new solution has now been proposed: All the results can be explained, assuming there are different neutron states with different lifetimes.
Neutrons are among the basic building blocks of matter. As long as they are part of a stable atomic nucleus, they can stay there for arbitrary periods of time. However, the situation is different for free neutrons: They decay -- after about fifteen minutes, on average.
"For such measurements, a nuclear reactor is often used as the neutron source," explains Benjamin Koch."Free neutrons are produced during radioactive decay in the reactor. These free neutrons can then be channelled into a neutron beam where they can be precisely measured." One can measure how many neutrons are present at the beginning of the neutron beam and how many protons are produced by the decay process.
If the theory about excited neutron states is correct, that would mean that in a neutron beam, several different neutron states are present in significant numbers. The neutrons in the bottle, on the other hand, would be almost exclusively ground-state neutrons. After all, it takes time for neutrons to cool and be captured in a bottle -- by which point, the vast majority will have already returned to their ground state.
Spintronics Nuclear Energy Quantum Physics Telecommunications Medical Technology Engineering Weapons Technology
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Letters: New evidence of Trump’s Jan. 6 dirty deeds released too soon or too late?“Of course, it was unfair to unseal the charges in the indictment so close to the election. It should have been unsealed and made public three years ago! Then Americans could have had a diffe…
Read more »
33 Problem-Solving Products As Genius As Jimmy NeutronIf your jeans *never* fit your waist, take a peek at these lil' denim button pins, you won't regret it one bit.
Read more »
The Las Vegas Raiders are still figuring things out along the offensive lineThe Las Vegas Raiders are undoubtedly still a work in progress on the offensive line. Coach Pierce has a simple solution to the problem.
Read more »
Opinion: Reasons to Vote No on Ballot Issue 2R, the Affordable Housing Sales TaxStrong Denver applauds the city for zeroing in on the right problem — unaffordable housing. But this is the wrong solution.
Read more »
Rockies Journal: Kris Bryant says “I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it’s been terrible”As another Rockies losing season draws to a close, Kris Bryant remains a problem, not a solution. He’s intent on changing that.
Read more »
Edwin Moses documentary '13 Steps' shows how clearing the hurdles was the easy part for a track iconNot long after Edwin Moses figured out how to attack the solution to track’s ultimate math problem, he transformed himself into the best hurdler in history.
Read more »