How to find the most likely modes of decay for a particle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the most likely decay modes for the particle ##\Omega^{-}## into two hadrons. It includes theoretical considerations regarding branching ratios and decay processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the most likely decay modes for ##\Omega^{-}## are ##\Omega^{-}\rightarrow \Lambda K^{-}## (68%) and ##\Omega^{-}\rightarrow \Xi^{0}\pi^{-}## (24%), but expresses difficulty in determining which particles to use for calculating branching ratios.
  • Another participant states that those are the only hadrons light enough for ##\Omega^{-}## to decay into.
  • A different participant suggests that the decay mode ##\Omega^{-}\rightarrow \Xi^{-}\pi^{0}## is also possible, questioning why this decay mode is less common despite sufficient energy for the process.
  • One participant speculates that the lower width of this decay mode compared to the charged pion mode may relate to issues with color lines, although they have not worked out the details.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possible decay modes and their relative likelihoods, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the reasons for the prevalence of certain decay modes over others.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about decay processes and the definitions of terms like branching ratios, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

mPlummers
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What are the most likely modes of decay for ##\Omega ^{-}## into 2 hadrons?

##BR_{k}=\frac{\Gamma _{k}}{\Gamma}##
##\Gamma=\frac{\hbar}{\tau }##
##\Gamma _{k}=\Gamma _{if}=2\pi \rho|<\Psi _{i}|H_{Int}|\Psi _{f}>|^{2} (E_{f})##

I took a look at the Particle Data Group, and the most likely modes are ##\Omega ^{-}\rightarrow \Lambda K^{-}## (68%) and ##\Omega ^{-}\rightarrow\Xi ^{0}\pi ^{-}## (24%). I have some difficulties to understand which particle i should use to calculate the branching ratios. The exercise only says that it can decay in 2 hadrons, but it doesn't say which. How can i know this without looking at books as i did?

[Moderator's note: Moved from a homework forum with the expectation someone here can help.]
 

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Those are the only hadrons light enough for Omega to decay to.
 
##\Omega ^{-}\rightarrow\Xi ^{-}\pi ^{0}## is possible, too. There is enough energy, it is not immediately clear why this decay mode is less common.
 
mfb said:
There is enough energy, it is not immediately clear why this decay mode is less common.

The fact that the width is 1/3 the charged pion mode suggests its an issue with color lines, although I haven't worked it out.
 
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