Neutrinos incident on target - interaction with nucleons or nuclei?

In summary, the conversation discusses a worked example question in a particle physics book that involves calculating the thickness of lead needed to reduce the intensity of a beam of neutrinos. The solution considers the number density of targets in the lead, specifically the nucleons within the nuclei. The reason for this choice is because at an energy of 2.3MeV, the neutrinos would primarily interact with the nucleons. The question posed is how to determine the energy at which the interaction switches to be predominantly with the nucleons rather than the nuclei. The suggested answer is to compare the incident neutrino energy to the binding energy of nucleons in a nucleus, and to also consider the Compton wavelength corresponding to the energy.
  • #1
Naz93
29
2
I came across a worked example question in a particle physics book this morning that had a beam of neutrinos of energy 2.3MeV incident on a lead target. The point of the question was calculating the thickness of lead needed to reduce the beam intensity by a certain fraction - and the solution requires one to calculate the number density of "targets" in the lead.

The solution given took the targets to be the nucleons within the lead nuclei, rather than the whole nuclei (the difference mathematically giving a factor of lead's atomic number 207). The reason given for this choice was at energy 2.3MeV, the neutrinos would be interacting with the nucleons.

My question is: how can one tell what energy the interaction switches to be predominantly with the nucleons rather than the nuclei? To what energy must the incident neutrino energy be compared?
 
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  • #2
To the binding energy of nucleons in a nucleus. 2.3 MeV is in the same range, I would expect both effects to be relevant.
 
  • #3
I guess you will always have to check the compton wavelength corresponding to your energy for something like that...
For example if the wavelength corresponding to 2.3MeV is smaller than the radius of the nucleus, you will have to take in consideration interactions with the nucleons...why? because the neutrinos could see what's inside the nuclei...
 
  • #4
Hmm, I tried the Compton wavelength, and using E = [itex]\hbar[/itex]c/λ, seems to give the Compton wavelength as about 86fm - bigger than the diameter of a lead nucleus...
 

1. What are neutrinos?

Neutrinos are subatomic particles that have a very small mass and no electric charge. They are a type of fundamental particle that is found in abundance in the universe.

2. How do neutrinos interact with nucleons or nuclei?

Neutrinos interact with nucleons or nuclei through the weak nuclear force. This means that they can only interact with particles that have a weak charge, such as protons and neutrons.

3. What happens when neutrinos incident on target?

When neutrinos incident on a target, they can either pass through without interacting or they can interact with the nucleons or nuclei in the target. The probability of interaction depends on the energy of the neutrino and the composition of the target.

4. What are the different types of neutrino interactions?

There are three main types of neutrino interactions: charged-current interactions, neutral-current interactions, and elastic scattering. In charged-current interactions, a neutrino can change into a different type of neutrino by interacting with a particle in the target. In neutral-current interactions, a neutrino can remain the same type of neutrino but transfer energy and momentum to the target. Elastic scattering occurs when a neutrino bounces off a particle in the target without changing into a different type.

5. Why are neutrinos important to study?

Neutrinos are important to study because they are abundant in the universe and can give us information about the formation and evolution of celestial bodies. They also have unique properties that can help us understand the fundamental laws of physics and the origins of matter in the universe. Additionally, studying neutrinos can help us learn more about the composition of matter and the behavior of particles at a subatomic level.

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