Which of these two decays is more likely using the CKM matrix?

In summary, the conversation discusses how to use the CKM matrix to determine the likelihood of different decays. The CKM matrix relates the weak eigenstates to the mass eigenstates, and the absolute values of the elements in the matrix can be used to compare the likelihood of different decays.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



I'm trying to get familiar with how to use the CKM matrix when tackling such questions as "which of these two decays is more likely".

My example question is:

Which is more likely c[tex]\bar{d}[/tex] ---> s[tex]\bar{d}[/tex] or c[tex]\bar{d}[/tex] ---> d[tex]\bar{d}[/tex]


Homework Equations



The relationship between the weak eigenstates, the CKM matrix and the mass eigenstates:
([tex]\acute{d}[/tex]) (Vud Vus Vub) (d)
([tex]\acute{s}[/tex]) = (Vcd Vcs Vcb) (s)
([tex]\acute{t}[/tex]) (Vtd Vts Vtb) (t)

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't actually know where to start because I'm not sure how to use the CKM matrix in this way.

Here's my best guess:

The difference between the two interactions is that one has c--->s and the other has c--->d and the value of the element Vcd < Vcs so the most likely is c--->s so the most likely decay is c[tex]\bar{d}[/tex] ---> s[tex]\bar{d}[/tex].

Any help with this is much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Just add absolute values to your inequality (since the entries in the CKM matrix are generally complex), and you should be fine.
 
  • #3
Cool, thanks.
 

What is the CKM matrix and what is its significance in physics?

The CKM matrix, also known as the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa matrix, is a unitary matrix used in the field of particle physics to describe the relationship between the mass and weak interactions of quarks. It is significant because it helps explain the phenomenon of CP violation, which is necessary for the matter-antimatter asymmetry observed in the universe.

How is the CKM matrix experimentally determined?

The CKM matrix is determined through experiments involving the decay of quarks. This typically involves measuring the branching ratios or lifetimes of different quark decay channels and using these values to calculate the elements of the matrix. In addition, the CKM matrix is continuously refined through ongoing experiments and theoretical calculations.

What is the physical interpretation of the elements of the CKM matrix?

The elements of the CKM matrix represent the probabilities of different quark flavor transitions. For example, the element Vud represents the probability of an up quark transitioning to a down quark through the weak interaction. These probabilities are used to calculate the rates of different quark decays and interactions.

What are the implications of the CKM matrix for the Standard Model of particle physics?

The CKM matrix is an essential component of the Standard Model of particle physics and helps explain the observed patterns of weak interactions. It also plays a crucial role in predicting and understanding the behavior of particles in high-energy collisions, such as those observed at the Large Hadron Collider.

How has the CKM matrix been tested and validated through experiments?

The CKM matrix has been extensively tested and validated through a variety of experiments, including studies of particle decays, electroweak measurements, and collider experiments. The consistency of results from these different experiments provides strong evidence for the accuracy of the CKM matrix and the predictions of the Standard Model.

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