Decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion

In summary, the conversation discusses the decay of p into e+ and pi°, with a lifetime of >10^33 years. This raises the question of which conservation law is being tested by this limit. The two particles involved, p and pi°, are described as uud and uu or dd, respectively, with the second quark of each being an antiquark. This leads to the conclusion that baryon number is not conserved (1 = 0 + 0), but charge is conserved. The conservation of lepton number is also not conserved (0 = -1 + 0), but this is not directly related to the decay in question. However, if the decay is ever observed, it would violate
  • #1
rwooduk
762
59
p -> e+ + pi°

is >10^33 years. what conservation law does this limit test?


p is uud
pi° is uu or dd where the second quark of each is an antiquark



baryon number is not conserved 1 = 0 + 0
charge is conserved
lepton number is not conserved 0 = -1 + 0


not sure what this question is getting at, please could someone give me a point in the right direction? thanks
 
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  • #2
You already answered the question. If that decay is ever observed than the conservation of lepton number and Baryon number will both be violated so that limit is an expression of the validity of those conservations. Conservations are usually tested with limits like that.
 
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  • #3
dauto said:
You already answered the question. If that decay is ever observed than the conservation of lepton number and Baryon number will both be violated so that limit is an expression of the validity of those conservations. Conservations are usually tested with limits like that.

great, ok thanks for the reply!
 

1. What is the decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion?

The decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion is a type of radioactive decay process in which a proton, one of the building blocks of an atom, transforms into a positron (a positively charged electron) and a neutral pion (a subatomic particle made up of a quark and an antiquark). This process is also known as beta plus decay.

2. What causes this decay to occur?

The decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion occurs due to the weak nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature. The weak force is responsible for nuclear decay processes, such as beta decay, by transforming one type of subatomic particle into another.

3. What is the significance of this decay?

This decay process is significant because it helps to maintain the balance of electric charge in the universe. Protons have a positive charge, while positrons have an equal but opposite charge. Therefore, the decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion helps to maintain overall charge neutrality in the universe.

4. How is this decay observed and measured?

The decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion can be observed and measured using particle detectors, such as a cloud chamber or bubble chamber. These detectors can detect the tracks of subatomic particles, allowing scientists to study the properties and behavior of these particles.

5. Are there any real-world applications of this decay?

One potential real-world application of this decay process is in medical imaging technology. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use positrons emitted from radioactive isotopes to create images of internal body structures. The decay of a proton into a positron and a neutral pion is one type of decay that can produce positrons for use in PET scans.

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