What Factors Affect the Lifetime of B+ and Bc Mesons?

In summary, the Bc meson has a shorter lifetime of 0.46 picoseconds compared to the other B mesons (Bs, B+, B-) with lifetimes of ~1.6 picoseconds. This is due to the Bc having more available decay channels, particularly the decay of the charm quark to a strange quark. This is a factor that is not present in the other B mesons, leading to a shorter lifetime for the Bc.
  • #1
ghetom
17
0
I'm trying to understand why the Bc meson (anti b and c) has a lifetime of 0.46 picoseconds whilst the Bs, B+ and B- have lifetimes of ~1.6 picoseconds. Is this a density of states thing? or to do with the CKM elements?

Thanks for any help.
 
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  • #2
It seems to be at least partly due to more available decay channels for the Bc. They say the decay is dominated by decays of the charm quark (70 percent). And in addition to all the other things that quarks can do, the charm quark can decay to a strange. Which is a channel that would not be available in a meson that had strange to begin with. :rolleyes:
 
  • #3
One way to look at this is that there are three ways a Bc can decay (the b can decay, the c can decay, or the two can annihilate) vs. only one for the B0. The fact that the lifetime is a factor of three shorter is coincidence.
 

1. What is the average lifetime of B+ and B_c Mesons?

The average lifetime of B+ mesons is approximately 1.638 picoseconds, while the average lifetime of B_c mesons is approximately 0.464 picoseconds.

2. How does the lifetime of B+ and B_c Mesons compare to other mesons?

The lifetime of B+ and B_c mesons is relatively short compared to other mesons, such as the D meson (1.040 picoseconds) and the K meson (12.39 picoseconds).

3. What factors affect the lifetime of B+ and B_c Mesons?

The lifetime of B+ and B_c mesons is affected by their mass, decay pathways, and the strength of the strong nuclear force.

4. Why is studying the lifetime of B+ and B_c Mesons important?

Studying the lifetime of B+ and B_c mesons can provide insight into the fundamental interactions of subatomic particles and the underlying laws of nature.

5. How is the lifetime of B+ and B_c Mesons measured?

The lifetime of B+ and B_c mesons is measured by analyzing the decay products of these particles using sophisticated detectors and statistical analysis techniques.

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