Frederick Sparber wites, > Could the (*e-) neutralized Oxygen atom be a WIMP? :-)
Well, that's a shocker for sure, Fred. But I'll try to do you one better ;-) In neutron decay, your end up with a proton, electron, and (supposedly) an electron antineutrino, but here is the big surprise. The *rest mass* difference between the neutron and the (combined proton + electron) is 0.7823 MeV or thereabouts, depending on whose figures you trust. Just as with the lifetime of the neutron itself, many experts have deferring opinions on this precise number, despite it being so fundamental to our understanding of nature. Makes one wonder about their other pronouncements as well... don't it, Vern ? Now, it is usually said that the difference between the neutron and the (proton + electron) which is over one and a half times the mass of a single electron, is converted into the kinetic energy of the neutrino. There is absolutely NO firm evidence for this proposition, however, as the neutrino mass itself has not yet been quantified. Consequently one is free to ponder whether of not this *very significant* difference mentioned above of at least .78 MeV which exists between the neutron and the (proton + electron) which is over one and a half times the mass of an electron, is actually rest energy which is converted into the kinetic energy of the neutrino. Maybe not. Perhaps a neutron itself (which is three quarks in one perspective) is not (effectively) a proton, electron, and an electron antineutrino, but instead (effectively) a proton bound to an (*e-) with or without an electron antineutrino thrown in for good measure (and to balance out a few QM issues) !!! And you thought this was going to be a dull Monday... Jones
