The discussion clarifies the distinction between gauge bosons and pions, emphasizing that while pions are mesons, they are classified as pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone bosons rather than gauge bosons. Gauge bosons, such as those associated with gauge symmetries like electromagnetism, possess spin 1, whereas pions, which are composed of a quark and an antiquark, have spin 0. The conversation also highlights that all mesons are bosons, but not all bosons qualify as mesons, and it corrects misconceptions about the role of pions in the context of gauge theories.
PREREQUISITESStudents and researchers in particle physics, theoretical physicists, and anyone interested in the classification and properties of fundamental particles.
trv said:Just realized that the pion is a meson. So I assume now that the two aren't mutually exclusive. I.e. a meson can also be a boson, or at least a goldstone boson.
kuon said:If I remember correctly, pions are the pseudo-goldstone bosons when chiral symmetry is broken.
Bob_for_short said:I am sure I do not remember it correctly, but it seemed to me that pions were the gauge bosons of the isotopic symmetry group (Yang-Mills fields).
Bob_for_short.