Neutrinos: Mass, Right & Left-Handed | Wang Yi

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of neutrinos with mass changing from being "right-handed" to "left-handed" and the reason why only "left-handed" neutrinos are found. The concept of chirality and its relationship to weak interactions is also mentioned. The conversation ends with the understanding that the handedness of neutrinos is determined by the group structure of the Standard Model.
  • #1
wangyi
56
0
Hi,
If neutrinos have mass, can "right-handed" and a "left-handed" change
to each other? Why we can only find left-handed ones?

Thank you.
Wang Yi
 
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  • #2
Hold on,the antineutrinos are very well "right-handed".I think it's safe to say that explaining preferential chirality of neutrinos (& their antiparticles) is still an enigma within the SM of particles & interactions.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
It is true that a LT can change the helicity of a neutrino with mass (which is usually negative) to positive. The designation LH or RH for particles is used to describe their weak interaction [(V-A) or (V+A)]. In this sense, even a neutrino with mass is LH. The handedness of leptons and quarks is built into the group structure of the Standard Model.
 
  • #4
I see. Thank you.
 

What are neutrinos?

Neutrinos are subatomic particles that have no electric charge and very little mass. They are one of the fundamental particles that make up the universe and are often referred to as the "ghost particles" because they are difficult to detect.

Do neutrinos have mass?

Yes, neutrinos do have mass, although it is extremely small. The exact mass of neutrinos is still a topic of research and debate among scientists.

What is the difference between right-handed and left-handed neutrinos?

Right-handed and left-handed neutrinos refer to the two possible spin orientations of neutrinos. Right-handed neutrinos spin in the same direction as their movement, while left-handed neutrinos spin in the opposite direction. This difference in spin has implications for the properties and behavior of neutrinos.

Why are neutrinos important in our understanding of the universe?

Neutrinos play a crucial role in our understanding of the universe because they are one of the most abundant particles in the universe and they interact very weakly with other particles. This allows them to travel long distances without being affected, providing us with information about distant objects and events in the universe.

How do scientists study neutrinos?

Scientists study neutrinos using a variety of techniques, including particle accelerators, underground detectors, and observing the effects of neutrinos on other particles. They also use mathematical models and simulations to understand the behavior and properties of neutrinos.

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