Why is this interaction forbidden?

In summary, the interaction e- + e+ = mu- + e+ is not allowed because it violates the conservation of lepton numbers between different generations of particles. This means that on the right side, there is a muon without an antimuon or neutrino, and on the left side, there is an electron/positron pair without a positron partner.
  • #1
Soffie
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So I'v been told that this interaction :

e- + e+ = mu- + e+

isn't allowed. Why not? I thought maybe because the mass of the muon is so much bigger, so would violate energy conservation, but the electron/positron could be moving relativistically and thus have enough energy.
Apparently the reason is because they're from different generations, but I have no idea what that means.

Cheers
 
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  • #2
Neglecting neutrino mixing, the lepton numbers are conserved individually for electrons, muons and taus. On the right you have a muon and no antimuon or neutrino, on the left you have nothing like that. Similarly, on the right you have a position without partner while on the left side there is only an electron/positron pair.
 
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1. Why do certain interactions between particles or molecules result in a forbidden state?

Certain interactions between particles or molecules can result in a forbidden state due to the conservation laws of energy and momentum. In order for an interaction to occur, the total energy and momentum of the system must be conserved. If the interaction violates these conservation laws, it is considered forbidden.

2. What causes an interaction to be forbidden?

An interaction can be forbidden due to a variety of factors, such as the quantum mechanical properties of the particles involved, the strength of the interaction, and the conservation laws of energy and momentum. Additionally, certain symmetries, such as charge or parity, may also play a role in determining whether an interaction is allowed or forbidden.

3. How can we determine if an interaction is forbidden or allowed?

In order to determine if an interaction is forbidden or allowed, scientists use mathematical equations and models that take into account the properties of the particles involved, the strength of the interaction, and the conservation laws of energy and momentum. Experimental data and observations also play a crucial role in determining the validity of these interactions.

4. What are some examples of forbidden interactions?

Some examples of forbidden interactions include certain nuclear reactions, such as beta decay, where the conservation of energy and momentum is violated. The decay of a neutral pion into two photons is also considered a forbidden interaction due to the conservation of charge and parity. Additionally, certain forbidden states can arise in the study of atomic and molecular physics, where the excited states of atoms and molecules can be classified as forbidden or allowed based on selection rules.

5. Can forbidden interactions ever occur?

While forbidden interactions are typically not observed in nature, they can still occur under certain conditions. For example, in some cases, the conservation laws of energy and momentum can be temporarily violated due to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. Additionally, some forbidden interactions may only be forbidden at certain energy levels, and can occur at higher energies. However, these interactions are still considered to be rare and are not typically observed in everyday situations.

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