- #1
ice109
- 1,714
- 6
don't all atoms decay? don't even protons decay?
Proton decay is a hypothetical process in which a proton, one of the building blocks of atoms, decays into other particles. This phenomenon has not been observed yet, but it is predicted by some theories of particle physics.
If proton decay is observed, it would have significant implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. It could also help explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe and the origin of dark matter.
Proton decay is a different process from radioactive decay, which involves the spontaneous breakdown of unstable atomic nuclei. Proton decay, on the other hand, would involve a fundamental change in the structure of a proton itself.
Scientists have been searching for evidence of proton decay for decades, but so far there have been no confirmed observations. This is because proton decay is predicted to be a very rare event and requires incredibly sensitive equipment to detect.
If protons were found to decay, it would have far-reaching consequences for our understanding of the universe. It would challenge our current understanding of the conservation of baryon number and could potentially lead to a new era of particle physics research.