Gravity's Impact on W and Z Bosons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of gravity on W and Z bosons, their interactions with electromagnetic forces, and the implications for particle physics, particularly in processes like beta decay. Participants explore theoretical frameworks and interactions within the context of the standard model and quantum electrodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the gravitational effects on W and Z bosons, noting their nonzero energy density and gravitational interactions based on the equivalence principle.
  • There are questions regarding the electromagnetic interactions of W and Z bosons, with some suggesting that since they have mass, they could exchange forces with photons.
  • One participant clarifies that only electrically charged particles interact with photons, and that while W bosons can interact with photons, Z bosons do not due to their neutrality.
  • Participants discuss the implications of W bosons being electrically charged and their behavior in magnetic fields, suggesting that they would curve similarly to electrons.
  • There is a query about the role of W bosons in beta decay and whether the force exchange would affect other particles like electron neutrinos.
  • Some participants assert that photons are the mediators of electromagnetic force, while W and Z bosons mediate the weak force, leading to a distinction in their roles.
  • Questions arise about the possibility of photons transferring force to charged particles without the involvement of W bosons, with some affirming that QED governs these interactions independently of W bosons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the interactions of W and Z bosons with electromagnetic forces and gravity. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly concerning the nature of these interactions and the roles of different particles.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific interpretations of the standard model and quantum electrodynamics, and there are unresolved assumptions about the nature of particle interactions in different contexts.

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What affect does gravity have on W and Z bosons?
 
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Can electromagnetic force interact with the W and Z bosons given the photon can exchange momentum to mass? The W and Z bosons both have mass so can a force be exchanged?
 
threadmark said:
What affect does gravity have on W and Z bosons?
Since the W and Z bosons each have nonzero energy density, they interact gravitationally. Gravity has the same effect on everything that has stress-energy (anything with energy density and the ability to exert pressure and/or transfer momentum) -- this is a result of the equivalence principle on which general relativity is based.
 
threadmark said:
Can electromagnetic force interact with the W and Z bosons given the photon can exchange momentum to mass? The W and Z bosons both have mass so can a force be exchanged?
Only particles with electric charge interact with photons -- mass has nothing to do with it. In the standard model of particle physics, it's possible to have interactions of the form:

(W+) + (W-) ----> photon + Z

but this is not the same as the photon 'interacting' with the Z. There is no direct interaction (for example, there is no coupling term like ZZA, where A = photon) that is allowed in the standard model. This is because the Z is neutral, and A only couples to charged particles.
 
If the interaction can involve the W+ and W-.this must affect the interaction W bosons have with other particles. Does the W boson curve in magnetic fields?
 
threadmark said:
If the interaction can involve the W+ and W-.this must affect the interaction W bosons have with other particles. Does the W boson curve in magnetic fields?
Sure. The W bosons are electrically charged particles. As such, they couple directly to the photon (there are AW+W- terms in the standard model). A W boson will trace out a curved path in a magnetic field just as an electron would.
 
So would this force exchange still occur in beta decay and would this force then be transferred to particles involved, like the electron neutrino?
 
threadmark said:
So would this force exchange still occur in beta decay and would this force then be transferred to particles involved, like the electron neutrino?

Yes .
 
Is the W boson the link in electromagnetic interaction? Are fermions influenced by electromagnetic force through W boson interaction? If not how can we differentiate between charged fermions and fermion boson interaction in magnetic fields?
 
  • #10
No. Photons are the mediators of the electromagnetic force. The W/Z bosons mediate the weak force. There is no way to distinguish a charged boson from a charged fermion by measuring its path through a magnetic field. The curvature of the path of a charged particle through a magnetic field is useful for determining the particle's mass.
 
  • #11
The question would be, could photons transfer force to charged particles without the W boson?
 
  • #12
threadmark said:
The question would be, could photons transfer force to charged particles without the W boson?
Yes. The theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) governs all electromagnetic interactions. No W bosons needed.
 

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