A question about a Feynman Diagram

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of Feynman diagrams, specifically focusing on the direction of arrows representing particles and antiparticles. Participants explore the implications of these arrows in the context of particle interactions, including W-boson decays and muon capture.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the arrow of the electron-antineutrino is pointed towards the W-boson, suggesting a misunderstanding of the diagram's representation.
  • Another participant asserts that the diagram is drawn incorrectly, indicating that the arrow should point in the opposite direction.
  • A different participant clarifies that the arrows in Feynman diagrams indicate particle versus antiparticle rather than direction of motion.
  • There is a proposal regarding the decay of a W- boson producing an electron-antineutrino and an electron, seeking confirmation of this interpretation.
  • A further inquiry is made about the correctness of a diagram related to muon capture, questioning the absence of anti-leptons and the direction of the arrow for the muon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the Feynman diagrams, with some asserting that certain diagrams are drawn incorrectly while others provide explanations for the conventions used in the diagrams. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific interpretations of the diagrams.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about the representation of particles and antiparticles, as well as the specific context of the diagrams being referenced. Some mathematical or conceptual steps are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in particle physics, Feynman diagrams, and the conventions used in representing particle interactions may find this discussion relevant.

heavybuilder
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Could somebody explain me this?: Why is the arrow of the electron-antineutrino pointed towards the W-boson and not as in the second picture upwards?

200604-0381886c10f70a8a3fbc138b06ad0374.jpg

200603-561b1be3b60e68d907c72417e7e94a26.png


This is my first post and also haven't learned too much about physics yet so please if anything is unclear hit me up.
 

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Because somebody drew it backwards.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Because somebody drew it backwards.
The one that is drawn on is mine. The correct one should be the other one
 
Then you drew it backwards.

The arrows indicate particle/antiparticle, not direction of motion.
 
So if i get it right: If a W- boson decays like here the output will be an electron-antineutrino and an electron?
 
Oh and another question, this picture is about muon capture but it isn't right is it? First of all there are no anti-leptons so it can't be right: L=1+1=2 second of all the muon isn't an antimuon so the arrow should be the other way around, shouldn't it?
200630-00635183a59201057a813a392e7dc67f.jpg
 

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