Clarification on Weak Nuclear Force

[FeDeX_LaTeX]

Hello;

I don't know a lot about the weak nuclear force, so I wanted to ask if some of these statements are correct;

-The weak nuclear force is what is responsible for radioactive decay
-When alpha and beta radiation occurs, the W⁺, W^- and Z⁰ bosons are what carry the radiation force
-The W⁺, W^- and Z⁰ bosons have a positive, negative, and neutral charge respectively
-The weak nuclear force is responsible for alpha, beta AND gamma radiation

Thanks.

 

[mathman]

Weak force is responsible for beta decay. Alpha is a strong force effect. Gamma rays are byproducts of other decays. (This is a simplified picture).

The boson description is correct, but it applies only to the beta decay.

 

[FeDeX_LaTeX]

What roles do each of the W+, W- and Z0 particles play in weak force during beta decay?

 

[mathman]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_decay

Look up the above.

 

[ansgar]

Z0 play no role in beta decay