In a standard model book I find this:
a particle of mass M can exist as a part of an intermediate state for time h/(Mc^2) where h=h/2π

I cannot understand the underlined part.Which intermediate state are they referring to?
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 Spontaneously I would say that with "as a part of an intermediate state" the mean a state like, for example, the Z in the following diagram? http://www-sldnt.slac.stanford.edu/a...s/epem_toZ.jpg That is, it can not be the final product, but only exist for the time $$\hbar/(Mc^{2})$$ before it need to decay into something else.
 Since I do not know very much the Weak interaction...are you sure that it would be a Z boson in a Feynmann diagram?Do not take me otherwise,the formula holds for any type of bosons:like photon.Since photon mass is zero,the lifetime and range of photon is infinite...So,in such cases how will you explain the intermediate state?

 Quote by neelakash In a standard model book I find this: a particle of mass M can exist as a part of an intermediate state for time h/(Mc^2) where h=h/2π I cannot understand the underlined part.Which intermediate state are they referring to?