Mass Eigenstates: Definite Mass States Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terminology of "states of definite mass" and "mass eigenstates" in the context of neutrino physics, particularly focusing on their equivalence and implications in neutrino oscillation phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether "states of definite mass" is synonymous with "mass eigenstates."
  • Another participant suggests that while they are usually considered the same, referencing specific texts would enhance the discussion.
  • A third participant reiterates the previous point about the importance of referencing texts and cites Wikipedia to illustrate the relationship between flavor and mass eigenstates in neutrino oscillation.
  • One participant asserts that "states of definite mass" and "mass eigenstates" are indeed the same.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement that "states of definite mass" and "mass eigenstates" are typically viewed as equivalent, but the discussion includes varying levels of emphasis on the need for textual references and clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the nuances of the terms or their implications in different contexts, and it relies on the interpretation of definitions from external sources.

aveline de grandpre
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Does saying "states of definite mass" is the same as saying "mass eigenstates"?
 
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Usually yes, but it would be good form to reference the text you are reading to provide us with enough information to answer your question.
 
Orodruin said:
Usually yes, but it would be good form to reference the text you are reading to provide us with enough information to answer your question.
Orodruin said:
Usually yes, but it would be good form to reference the text you are reading to provide us with enough information to answer your question.
I read this from Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutrino_oscillation

" Neutrino oscillation arises from a mixture between the flavor and mass eigenstates of neutrinos. That is, the three neutrino states that interact with the charged leptons in weak interactions are each a different superposition of the three neutrino states of definite mass. "
 
Yes, they are the same.
 

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