Electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction?

In summary: This is because the Z_0 is a very special particle in the Standard Model, as it is the mediator of the weak interaction and is responsible for giving particles mass. So, in summary, the production of an electron/anti-electron pair can occur through both the weak and electromagnetic forces, with the weak force being suppressed due to the mass of the Z_0 boson. At high energies, both forces are important, but at energies around 90 GeV, the Z_0 exchange will dominate. The Z_0 is a crucial particle in the Standard Model, as it is responsible for giving particles mass and mediating the weak interaction.
  • #1
x_ferrari_x
2
0
Hello,
Im trying to find out if, since an electron positron pair can anhillate to produce a muon-anti muon pair by the weak interaction, can the same thing occur for the production of an electron/anti-electron pair? Or would it just happen by the electromagnetic force? Or both, with the weak being supressed? And are the photons/ Z0 bosons involved real or virtual?
I feel as if I am asking a question I should know the answer to and being silly, but any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
e+e- -> e+e- via Virtual Z^0 is ok.
 
  • #3
It's simply very rare because the mass of the Z_0 suppresses the cross section. I think some experiments do study contributions from Z_0 exchange in certain processes (maybe even e+e- scattering), as tiny corrections to a pure photon-exchange model.
 
  • #4
Thanks, that's very helpful!
 
  • #5
The technical term for this process is "Bhabha scattering":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhabha_scattering

If the electron and the positron are nearly at rest, Z contribution is significantly suppressed because the intermediate virtual Z is way off mass-shell. At high energies, both are important. At CM ~ 90 GeV, Z exchange will most likely dominate.
 
  • #6
hamster143 said:
At CM ~ 90 GeV, Z exchange will most likely dominate.

Indeed, the old Large Electron Positron (LEP) collider was originally designed for a CM energy in that range, specifically to produce the Z_0.
 

1. What is electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction?

Electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction is a process in which an electron and a positron (anti-electron) are created from a high-energy photon or from the decay of a particle such as a Z boson. This process is governed by the weak interaction, one of the four fundamental forces of nature.

2. How does the weak interaction lead to electron-positron pair creation?

The weak interaction is responsible for the conversion of energy into matter through the creation of particles such as electrons and positrons. When a high-energy photon interacts with the electric field of an atomic nucleus or is produced in the decay of a particle, it can create an electron-positron pair through the weak interaction.

3. What are the implications of electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction?

Electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction plays a crucial role in many physical processes, such as the decay of radioactive elements and the production of particles in high-energy collisions. It also has implications for the behavior of matter at a microscopic level and is essential for our understanding of the fundamental forces of nature.

4. Can electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction be observed?

Yes, electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction has been observed in various experimental setups, such as in particle accelerators and in the decay of radioactive elements. The creation of electron-positron pairs can also be detected indirectly through the measurement of their annihilation products, such as gamma rays.

5. Is electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction reversible?

Yes, electron-positron pair creation by weak interaction is a reversible process. In fact, electron-positron pairs can also be annihilated through the weak interaction, resulting in the emission of high-energy photons. This process is commonly observed in particle accelerators and is essential for maintaining the balance of matter and antimatter in the universe.

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