Question

Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen whose nucleus triton contains 2 neutrons and I proton. Free neutrons decay into p + $e^{-}$ + $\overrightarrow{v}$. If one of the neutrons in triton decays it would transform into $He^{3}$ nucleus. This does not happen. This is because

• A. Triton energy is less than that of a $He^{3}$ nucleus
• B. The electron created in the beta decay process cannot remain in the nucleus.
• C. Both the neutrons in triton have a decay simultaneously resulting in a nucleus with 3 protons, which is not a $He^{3}$ nucleus
• D. Because free neutrons decay due to external perturbations which is absent in a triton nucleus.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Triton energy is less than that of a $He^{3}$ nucleus