Question

Regarding the stability of the neutron, which statement is correct?

Options

• A free neutron is unstable, but a neutron is stable inside the nucleus

• A free neutron is stable, but a neutron is unstable inside the nucleus

• A neutron is unstable both free and inside the nucleus

• A neutron is stable both free and inside the nucleus

Answer 1

A free neutron is unstable, but a neutron is stable inside the nucleus. This means the neutron can exist permanently as a constituent of the nucleus (as in deuterium and tritium), even though an isolated neutron does not remain stable.