Can anyone explain nuclear recoil..

This interaction is very weak, which is why WIMPs are so difficult to detect. In summary, the conversation discusses the mechanics of how WIMPs interact with the nucleus and the challenges in detecting them due to their weak interaction. The main focus is on the use of CDMS II detectors and the absence of the electromagnetic and strong forces in the collision process. The topic also briefly touches on the difficulty of searching for specific phrases in search engines.
  • #1
MathEvader
1
0
. . .to a non-physicist?

I've been reading about CDMS II and trying to grasp how the dectectors work. As I understand it, WIMPS don't believe in the electromagnetic force (or the strong force, or the weak force, right?) so when a WIMP collides with a nucleus in the detector we get collision effects without electomagnetic events. So, how does a collision work in the absence of the strong and EM forces? How does momentum get transferred from the WIMP to the nucleus?

Thanks for any enlightenment (although given the subject, I supposed "enlightenment" isn't quite right. . .)

(I tried to do a search for "nuclear recoil", but the search engine apparently combined the two words with a Bollean OR. Putting the phrase in quotes didn't help. Is there no way to search for a phrase?)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
WIMPs are weakly interacting massive particles. Their interaction with the nucleus is via the weak interaction: They exchange a Z boson.
 
  • Like
Likes geoelectronics

Related to Can anyone explain nuclear recoil..

1. What is nuclear recoil?

Nuclear recoil is a phenomenon that occurs when a nucleus in an atom gains kinetic energy due to the absorption of a high-energy particle, such as a neutron or photon.

2. How does nuclear recoil affect atoms?

Nuclear recoil can cause atoms to undergo nuclear reactions, change their energy state, or even break apart. It can also affect the direction and speed of the atom's movement.

3. Why does nuclear recoil occur?

Nuclear recoil occurs due to the conservation of momentum. When a high-energy particle interacts with a nucleus, the nucleus gains momentum in the opposite direction, causing it to recoil.

4. What factors can influence nuclear recoil?

The amount of energy absorbed by the nucleus, the mass of the nucleus, and the angle at which the high-energy particle strikes the nucleus can all affect the amount of nuclear recoil that occurs.

5. How is nuclear recoil important in nuclear physics?

Nuclear recoil is a key concept in understanding nuclear reactions and nuclear fission. It is also important in the development and use of nuclear technologies, such as nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

Similar threads

I What fundamental physics insights can we gain from nuclear physics research?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
2K
I How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Assistance finding the nuclear energy difference during nuclear fusion
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
927
A How to explain the nuclear radius of Uranium 238 using QM
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
3K
B Question about final k.e. of alpha and Polonium after decay of Radon
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
972
Nuclear Binding Energy: Exploring the Basics
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electrons and their little role in nuclear physics
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
764
B Exploring Nuclear Fusion: IEC Fusion Reactor Construction and Operation
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
19
Views
3K
Radioactive nucleus - why is alpha emitted and not proton
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
8K
Number of neutrons & stability?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
15
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top