Hadrons − Hadrons are particles that interact using the strong nuclear force. Hadrons come in two further groups, Baryons and Mesons. Baryons are hadrons that can decay into or are protons. These include: protons, neutrons, antiprotons and antineutrons.

What particles decay into protons?

Beta decay occurs when, in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other. In beta minus decay, a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino: n Æ p + e - +.

Why do hadrons decay?

The stable hadrons usually decay via the weak force. In some cases they decay by the electromagnetic force, which results in somewhat shorter lifetimes because the electromagnetic force is stronger than the weak force. The very-short-lived hadrons, however, which number 200 or more, decay via the strong force.