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In the textbook, we have beta-plus decay as: p --> n + e + Ve

But, in the book "In search of the edge of time", as the author explains the birth of Neutron stars, the highly energetic, degenerate electrons due to the immense gravitational pressure/density smash/penetrate into protons to create neutrons. It is termed 'inverse beta decay'.

But, the 'inverse beta decay' somehow looked similar to the 'beta-plus decay'. Are they both the same or different? Please explain thoroughly if you can. Thanks!

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  • $\begingroup$ I think the "electron capture" reaction is often referred to as inverse beta decay in neutron star physics. $\endgroup$
    – ProfRob
    Commented Sep 28, 2023 at 21:00

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IBD is something completely different, $\bar{\nu}_e+p\to e^+ + n$. This is closely related to electron capture, $e^- + p\to\nu_e + n$.

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  • $\begingroup$ I already read the Wikipedia page. It didn't help that much, certainly because of my little knowledge on the subject. Please, explain/elaborate if you can. Thanks. $\endgroup$
    – Lekdhen Jobs
    Commented Jan 25, 2018 at 21:48
  • $\begingroup$ This. Interestingly the process called "inverse beta decay" is neither a decay in and of itself nor the reverse of beta decay. It is a charged current weak scattering event. $\endgroup$
    – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten
    Commented Jan 25, 2018 at 22:04
  • $\begingroup$ Can you please elaborate a little bit more? $\endgroup$
    – Lekdhen Jobs
    Commented Jan 28, 2018 at 2:49

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