Why Does Strange Quark Decay Involve an Electron Instead of a Muon?

In summary, the conversation discussed the decay of quarks and how it should result in leptons of the same generation. However, the strange quark in the decay of omega baryon turns into an up quark, an electron, and an electron neutrino. This is because the decay is mediated via a W and there is no relation between quark and lepton generations. The neutron cannot decay into a proton and a muon due to a lack of energy.
  • #1
Garlic
Gold Member
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Hello,
In my understanding, decay of quarks should give leptons of the same generation as the quark has, like in a basic way, neutron decaying into proton and an electron. Because of this I have trouble understanding why the strange quark turns directy into up quark, an electron and an electron neutrino in the decay of omega baryon. Why doesn't the strange quark decay give off a muon and a muon neutrino instead of electron and electron neutrino?
 
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  • #2
Garlic said:
In my understanding, decay of quarks should give leptons of the same generation as the quark has
Why?
They don't even couple to each other.
Garlic said:
Because of this I have trouble understanding why the strange quark turns directy into up quark, an electron and an electron neutrino in the decay of omega baryon.
It does not, the decay is mediated via a W. There is no relation between quark generations and lepton generations.

The neutron cannot decay to proton+muon as there is not enough energy for the muon production. Otherwise that would be a possible decay.
 
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Likes vanhees71
  • #3
O
mfb said:
Why?
They don't even couple to each other.
It does not, the decay is mediated via a W. There is no relation between quark generations and lepton generations.

The neutron cannot decay to proton+muon as there is not enough energy for the muon production. Otherwise that would be a possible decay.

I understand, thank you
 

1. What are strange hadrons?

Strange hadrons are particles that contain one or more strange quarks. They are a type of hadron, which are particles made up of quarks bound together by the strong nuclear force.

2. How do strange hadrons decay?

Strange hadrons can decay through the weak nuclear force, which is responsible for changing the flavor of quarks. This decay process results in the production of lighter particles, such as pions and kaons.

3. What is the significance of studying the decay of strange hadrons?

Studying the decay of strange hadrons can provide insight into the fundamental properties of matter, such as the interactions between quarks and the strength of the weak nuclear force. It can also help us understand the behavior of matter in extreme environments, such as in the early universe or in high-energy collisions.

4. How do scientists study the decay of strange hadrons?

Scientists use particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), to create and study strange hadrons. By colliding particles at high energies, they can observe the decay products and measure their properties to understand the underlying processes.

5. Are there any practical applications of studying the decay of strange hadrons?

While the primary purpose of studying the decay of strange hadrons is to deepen our understanding of the universe, there are some potential practical applications. For example, the strong and weak nuclear forces are responsible for holding atoms and nuclei together, so understanding their properties can have implications for nuclear energy and technology.

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