The neutrino and electroweak transformations

In summary, the neutrino belongs to an electroweak SU(2) doublet, with its transformation properties also including a phase proportional to its hypercharge.
  • #1
ryanwilk
57
0
Hi, quick question.

"In electroweak theory, the neutrino belongs to an SU(2) doublet"

So, does the neutrino belong to an SU(2)xU(1) (electroweak) doublet or just SU(2)?
Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The left-handed neutrino and left-handed electron form an electroweak SU(2)xU(1) doublet. The right-handed electron forms an electroweak singlet. The right-handed neutrino, if it exists, also forms a singlet.
 
  • #3
ryanwilk said:
Hi, quick question.

"In electroweak theory, the neutrino belongs to an SU(2) doublet"

So, does the neutrino belong to an SU(2)xU(1) (electroweak) doublet or just SU(2)?

Thanks!

It's possible to speak of a particle's transformation properties under SU(2) and U(1) separately. Under SU(2) transformations the neutrino transforms as part of a doublet. Under U(1) transformations the neutrino picks up a phase proportional to its hypercharge. So I think it's most correct to say "SU(2)" double instead of "SU(2) x U(1)" doublet.
 

1. What is a neutrino?

A neutrino is a subatomic particle that has no electric charge and a very small mass. It is one of the fundamental particles that make up the universe and is believed to be the second most abundant particle after photons.

2. What is the role of neutrinos in electroweak transformations?

Neutrinos play a crucial role in electroweak transformations, as they are the only particles that interact solely through the weak nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature. This makes them important in understanding the process of electroweak symmetry breaking and in studying the properties of the Higgs boson.

3. What is the significance of electroweak transformations in particle physics?

Electroweak transformations are significant in particle physics as they unify two of the fundamental forces of nature - the electromagnetic force and the weak nuclear force. This theory is an essential component of the Standard Model of particle physics and has been verified through numerous experiments.

4. How do scientists detect neutrinos and study their properties?

Scientists detect neutrinos using specialized detectors such as giant underground tanks or large arrays of photomultiplier tubes. These detectors are designed to detect the faint signals produced when a neutrino interacts with other particles. Scientists also study neutrinos by observing their interactions with other particles and by measuring their properties such as mass and oscillation patterns.

5. What are some current research areas related to neutrinos and electroweak transformations?

Some current research areas related to neutrinos and electroweak transformations include studying the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations, which is the transformation of one type of neutrino into another. Scientists are also investigating the possibility of a fourth type of neutrino, known as a sterile neutrino, and its potential role in dark matter. Furthermore, there is ongoing research on the properties of the Higgs boson and its implications for the unification of the fundamental forces.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
602
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top