A Levels Physics (9702)•9702/12/M/J/22

Explanation
Quark transformation in neutron beta decay
Steps:
- Neutron has quarks udd; proton has uud, so one d quark changes to u quark.
- Beta minus decay emits electron (β) and antineutrino (ν̄) via weak force.
- The down quark transforms: d → u + W⁻ boson.
- W⁻ decays to β + ν̄, completing the quark change.
Why B is correct:
- Not applicable; B describes u → d transformation with positron (p) and neutrino (ν), matching beta plus decay (proton → neutron + β⁺ + ν), not neutron decay.
Why the others are wrong:
- A: Correct quark change (d → u) and antineutrino, but p indicates positron instead of electron (β).
- C: Wrong quark direction (u → d); uses β (correct particle) but wrong neutrino (ν instead of ν̄).
- D: Wrong quark direction (u → d); p is positron, ν̄ is correct antineutrino but irrelevant here.
Not enough information: No option fully matches d → u + β + ν̄.
Final answer: None of the options
Topic: Fundamental particles
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