A2 Level - Is quark flavour consereved

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conservation of quark flavor in particle interactions, particularly in the context of beta decay. Participants explore whether quark flavor is conserved in various processes, while also acknowledging the conservation of quark number.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether quark flavor is conserved, noting confusion due to observations in beta decay.
  • Several participants assert that quark flavor is not conserved during interactions involving W bosons, which can change one flavor of quark into another.
  • Participants confirm that quark number is conserved, as it is tied to baryon number conservation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that quark number is conserved, but there is disagreement regarding the conservation of quark flavor, with some asserting it is not conserved in certain interactions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the nuances of quark flavor conservation in all contexts, particularly in relation to specific interactions beyond beta decay.

jsmith613
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I am studying A2 physics so don't know a lot...my question is simple...is quark flavour conserved...I know quark number if conserved (because baryon number is consereved) but am not so sure about flavour...I have seen situations where it appears it is but then during beta-minus decay it appears not...simply (yes or no) is quark flavour conserevd?
 
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No. Interactions involving W bosons (including beta decay) change a quark of one flavor into a quark of a different flavor.
 
The_Duck said:
No. Interactions involving W bosons (including beta decay) change a quark of one flavor into a quark of a different flavor.

ok but I am correct in thinking quark NUMBER is consereved, right?
 
Yes.
 
The_Duck said:
Yes.

:) thanks
 

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