What Would Happen If The Proton Were A Little Heavier Than The Neutron 3

[shamsdebout]

I was reading in article that mentioned that if the proton were a little heavier than the neutron, all protons would have turned into neutrons. Can someone explain why this is so?
Thanks in advance.

 

[HamishMcTavish]

shamsdebout
Not sure if you're in the right forum or perhaps even the right site...that being said a simple web search turned up the following:
Protons can transform into neutrons through the process of electron capture. This process does not occur spontaneously but only when energy is supplied.

Energy is required because, in energy units, the masses are: Proton: 938.272 MeV, neutron: 939.566 MeV, mass difference = 1.293 MeV, electron: 0.511 Mev.

Presumably if the proton were heavier then less energy would be required for the transition. This ignores the effect of increased proton mass on the rest of subatomic physics and the standard model, about which i'm no expert!

Regards, HM


No more things should be presumed to exist than are absolutely necessary - William of Occam

 

[EmmanuelTop]

The Universe wouldn't exist - that's the answer.

 

[SNORGY]

It is because protons are female and, accordingly, jealous of the lighter neutrons.

Regards,

SNORGY.

 

[JLSeagull]

But what about the earth's core changes in response to the neutrino? Are the neutrinos from the sun to change behavior or is it changes in the earth's core that responds differently?

 

[rustbuster]

Snorgy, I had to give you a star. Good one, I needed a laugh today....

 

[MiketheEngineer]

You wouldn't be here to ask the question and we wouldn't be here to respond.