0
$\begingroup$

In the Sun, two nearby protons have to get extremely lucky and have one (or both?) of the protons convert to a neutron in a positron-emission, or beta-plus decay...

I would think that there is less energy available in a tiny nucleus like 'diprotium' than in a much larger nucleus, but the two protons initially have no neutrons at all to 'separate' them, unlike a larger nucleus...

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If both protons convert to neutrons you have two free neutrons which will decay back to protons quickly. $\endgroup$
    – Jon Custer
    Commented Jan 2, 2021 at 16:37
  • $\begingroup$ The diproton to deuteron conversion rate is very low, as I mentioned here. And the probability of a diproton converting to two neutrons would be the square of that, so around $10^{-52}$. $\endgroup$
    – PM 2Ring
    Commented Feb 16, 2021 at 20:35

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

The decay energy equals to the mass difference of the parent and daughter nucleus.

It seemed that larger atoms often (but not always) has larger energy release than 1.4 MeV in the proton-proton fusion. (But you can check the decay energies here. 'e+b$^+$' seems to be the notation for $\beta^+$ decay.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.