Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect?
A. Neutron is less stable than proton
B. Neutron can cause fission in nuclear reactors but proton cannot
C. A free proton can emit $\beta - $ particle
D. A bound proton can emit $\beta - $ particle

Answer 1

Hint: Here we have to examine each statement one by one and see if they are correct-
A neutron is a subatomic nucleus, found in all atomic nuclei except those in regular hydrogen, of almost the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge.
In all atomic nuclei, a stable subatomic nucleus exists, with a positive electric charge equal in size to that of an electron.

Complete step by step answer:
Neutrons are less stable than protons – This statement is correct because protons are lighter than neutrons.
So, a neutron is able to decay into – a proton, a charge-saving photon and an antineutrino electron. And because these protons have less overall mass than the initial neutron; the process emits energy along the way.
So, option A is correct.
Neutrons can cause fission in nuclear reactors but protons cannot- In ordinary radioactive decay events, neutrons are not released and since they are electrically neutral particles, neutrons in devices cannot be accelerated like electrons. But in nuclear reactions triggered by high energy particles in accelerator beams, neutrons can be created. Hence option B is also correct.
A free proton can emit $\beta -$ particle- A free proton cannot emit a beta particle as a beta particle is being emitted by a nucleus along with antineutrino and electron. So, this statement is incorrect.
A bound proton can emit $\beta-$ particle- A bound proton can change into a neutron. So, it can emit energy and beta particles. Hence this statement is also correct.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
Here we have to observe carefully what is emitted during nuclear fission and fusion. And also we have to remember about the alpha and beta particles and how they are emitted.