Any theories muon and tau are just electrons

In summary, the current SM states that electrons, muons, and tau are all different fundamental particles. However, there are no theories that suggest there is only one fundamental charged lepton, the electron. Some theories propose that muons and tau may be electrons in higher energy states or that they are formed when an electron interacts with the Higgs field. It is also suggested that muons and tau are not fundamental particles, but rather quantized higher energy states of the first generation of fermions. However, this topic remains open to debate and further research.
  • #1
kodama
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the current SM states that electrons, muons and tau are all different fundamental particles.

are there any theories that suggest there is only 1 fundamental charged lepton, the electron, and that muons and tau are either electrons that are in a higher energy quantum state, and therefore mass, or electrons that interact with the higgs field that when enough energy is added, becomes muons or tau, or that perhaps when there is enough energy muon-type neutrino and electron-type antineutrino can somehow bind together with an electron to create a muon.

in other words muons and tau are not fundamental particles. they are electrons in a higher energy state. the only truly fundamental fermions are first generation fermions, with second and third are just quantized higher energy states of first generation
 
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  • #2
kodama said:
are there any theories that suggest there is only 1 fundamental charged lepton

No. And to avoid getting into personal theory, this thread is closed.
 

FAQ: Any theories muon and tau are just electrons

What is the difference between muons, taus, and electrons?

Muons, taus, and electrons are all subatomic particles that have a negative charge. However, they differ in terms of their masses and lifetimes. Electrons are the lightest and most stable of the three, with a mass of 9.11 x 10^-31 kilograms and a lifetime of essentially infinite. Muons are about 207 times more massive than electrons and have a lifetime of about 2.2 microseconds. Taus are the heaviest, with a mass about 3,500 times that of electrons and a lifetime of only 2.9 x 10^-13 seconds.

Are muons and taus just heavier versions of electrons?

No, muons and taus are different particles from electrons and cannot be considered just heavier versions. They have different properties, such as their masses and lifetimes, and interact differently with other particles.

How are muons and taus related to electrons?

Muons and taus are all part of the lepton family of particles, which are elementary particles that do not participate in the strong nuclear force. They are all negatively charged and have spin 1/2, but they differ in their masses and lifetimes.

Can muons and taus transform into electrons?

Yes, muons and taus can transform into electrons through a process called particle decay. This occurs when a particle decays into lighter particles, such as a muon decaying into an electron, a muon neutrino, and an electron antineutrino.

What evidence supports the theory that muons and taus are not just electrons?

There is a wealth of experimental evidence that supports the existence of muons and taus as distinct particles from electrons. These include observations of their different masses and lifetimes, as well as their unique interactions with other particles. Additionally, experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider have provided further evidence for the existence of these particles and their distinct properties.

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