A proton can be converted into a neutron through a process called beta decay. Beta decay occurs in certain unstable atomic nuclei, where a proton within the nucleus transforms into a neutron while emitting a positron (e+) and a neutrino (νe) or by emitting an electron (e-) and an antineutrino (νē).
There are two types of beta decay:
Beta-plus decay (β+ decay): In beta-plus decay, a proton within the nucleus is converted into a neutron. It releases a positron and a neutrino. The process can be represented by the following equation:
p+ → n + e+ + νe
Beta-minus decay (β- decay): In beta-minus decay, a neutron within the nucleus is converted into a proton. It releases an electron and an antineutrino. The process can be represented by the following equation:
n → p+ + e- + νē
The conversion of a proton into a neutron or vice versa involves a change in the number of protons and neutrons, and it occurs within the atomic nucleus. It is important to note that these processes involve the weak nuclear force, one of the fundamental forces of nature responsible for the decay of subatomic particles.