Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen whose nucleus triton contains 2 neutrons and 1 proton . Free neutrons decay into `p+bar(e) +bar(n).` If one of the neutrons in Triton decays , it would transform into `He^(3)` nucleus. This does not happen. This is because

Options

A. Triton energy is lessthan that of a `He ^(3)` nucleus.
B. The electron created in the beta decay process cannot remain in the nucleus.
C. Both the neutrons in triton have a decay simultaneously resulting in a nucleus with 3 protons, which is not a `He^(3)` nucleus.
D. Because free neutrons decay due to external perturbations which is absent in a triton nucleus.

Answer

A

Explanation

During an elastic collision between two particles, the maximum kinetic energy is transferred from one particle to the other when they have the same mass. Therefore, heavy nuclei will not serve the purpose because elastic collision of neutrons with heavy nuclei will not slow them down.