What is the half-life of a free neutron?

Prepare for the Medical Dosimetry Certification Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ensure your success by studying key topics covered in the exam!

The half-life of a free neutron is approximately 12 minutes. This is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics and is important for understanding the behavior of neutrons outside of atomic nuclei. A free neutron is a neutron that is not bound within an atomic nucleus and is prone to decay over time. The decay process involves the transformation of the neutron into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino, resulting in a shift in the nuclear composition.

Understanding the half-life of a free neutron is crucial for various applications, including nuclear medicine and dosimetry, as it affects how neutrons are used in medical treatments and scientific research. In contrast, the other timeframes associated with half-lives provided in the choices do not accurately reflect the observed decay time of free neutrons, leading to less relevance in the context of this question.

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