<p align="right">Last Update: <font color="#4f81bd">November 25, 2024</font></p> ### Lifespan The average lifespan of a <span style="background:#d3f8b6">free neutron</span>, which is a neutron not bound within an atomic nucleus, is about 14 minutes and 42 seconds (approximately 880 seconds). After this time, a neutron undergoes [[beta decay]], a type of [[radioactive decay]], and splits into three particles: 1. [[Protons|A proton]]: This positively charged particle remains stable and is a fundamental component of atomic nuclei. 2. [[Electrons|An electron]]: This negatively charged particle, also known as a beta particle in this context, is emitted during the decay. 3. **An electron antineutrino**: This neutral particle has very little mass and interacts very weakly with matter. This process can be represented by the following equation: $n \rightarrow p + e^- + \vec{v}_e \tag{1}$ where $n$ is the neutron, $p$ is the proton, $e^-$ is the electron, and $\vec{v}_e$ is the electron antineutrino. ### Related Topics --- [[Home|Home]] | [[Quantum mechanics]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Quantity of Motion/Quantum Mechanics/Blackbody Radiation|Blackbody Radiation]] | [[Photoelectric Effect]] | [[Atomic Theory]] | [[Atom]] | [[Early Models of the Atom]] | [[Bohr Model]] | [[Electrons]] | [[Nucleons]]