Can a neutral pion go to two electron anti electron pairs

In summary, a neutral pion can undergo a decay to two electrons and two positrons with a branching ratio of 3.2E-5. This decay is predominantly electromagnetic, with a negligible weak component.
  • #1
James1991
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Basically can a neutral pion go to two electrons and two positrons and under what interaction would it do this?

I know its defiantly not the strong force, so is it weak or EM? I'm pretty sure its EM but not 100%
Thanks
 
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  • #2
James1991 said:
Basically can a neutral pion go to two electrons and two positrons and under what interaction would it do this?

I know its defiantly not the strong force, so is it weak or EM? I'm pretty sure its EM but not 100%
Thanks

Yes indeed this decay is observed with a branching ratio of 3.2E-5, which is consistent with being suppressed (relative to the two photon decay) by an approximate factor of [itex] \alpha^{2} [/itex], where [itex] \alpha [/itex] is the fine structure constant. Based on this information alone you should be able to deduce that this decay is predominantly electromagnetic. (It turns out that it has an additional but totally negligible weak component which comes from Z mediation instead of photons.)
 

1. What is a neutral pion?

A neutral pion is a subatomic particle made up of two quarks, specifically an up quark and an anti-up quark. It has a mass of approximately 135 times that of an electron and is electrically neutral.

2. How is a neutral pion created?

A neutral pion is created through the decay of a more massive particle, such as a neutral rho meson or a neutral sigma meson. It can also be produced in high-energy collisions between particles.

3. Can a neutral pion go to two electron anti electron pairs?

Yes, a neutral pion can decay into two electron anti electron pairs, also known as positron electron pairs, through the strong interaction. This process is known as pion decay.

4. What is the significance of a neutral pion decaying into two electron anti electron pairs?

The decay of a neutral pion into two electron anti electron pairs provides evidence for the existence of the strong interaction, one of the four fundamental forces in the universe. It also helps scientists better understand the behavior and properties of subatomic particles.

5. Are there any other particles that can decay into two electron anti electron pairs?

Yes, besides the neutral pion, other particles can also decay into two electron anti electron pairs, such as the neutral rho meson and the neutral sigma meson. These decays play an important role in particle physics research and are used to study the properties of subatomic particles.

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