Reply #37: As far as I know: a neutron is a proton that has in some way not fully [View All]

[DEMVET-USMC]

understood at this time fused with an electron. There are different theories being kicked around at this time as to the exact nature of Nucleons including of course neutrons.L.Pauling does discuss the radioactive decay of a number of different elements. One thing they have in common is how when an Alpha particle which can be described as the nucleus of a helium atom is emitted the atom emitting the Alpha particle loses 2 protons and moves 2 places to the left on the periodic table. Also there is the emission of a so called beta particle < an electron > is emitted from the atom that is decomposing and moves to the right one place on the periodic table. So, evidently what was a neutron has given up an electron and become a proton moving that atom to the right one position on the periodic table. This is what I believe you asked about. Anyway, this information was read by me and paraphrased from: GENERAL CHEMISTRY by Linus Pauling: 1998 edition. ...Oscar