In a neutron (n) to proton (p) decay process, a W- boson is involved. This process is an example of beta-minus decay, where a neutron inside an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton, releasing a W- boson and an electron (e-) as well as an electron antineutrino (νe).
The process can be summarized as follows:
- Inside the neutron, one of the down quarks (d) undergoes a weak interaction, mediated by the W- boson.
- The W- boson is a carrier particle of the weak nuclear force and is responsible for mediating the transformation of the quark.
- During this weak interaction, the down quark (d) emits a virtual W- boson.
- The virtual W- boson then decays into an electron (e-) and an electron antineutrino (νe).
- The electron and the electron antineutrino are emitted from the neutron, while the remaining up quark (u) combines with the down quark (d) to form a proton.
Regarding your question about the location of the W- boson within the quark, it's important to understand that the W- boson is not a component of a quark. Rather, it is a separate particle that mediates the weak interaction between particles, including quarks. The W- boson is an elementary particle, and it does not exist within or as part of a quark. It is produced as a virtual particle during the weak interaction process and subsequently decays into other particles.