Pion decaying to two neutrons demonstrates odd parity

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Gene Naden
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Neutrons Parity Pion
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decay of a pion into two neutrons, specifically addressing the parity of the final state. The participants clarify that the reaction involves a pion interacting with a deuteron rather than a direct decay. The allowed final states for two identical fermions, as per Fermi-Dirac statistics, include 1s0, 3p0,1,2, 1d2, and 3f2,3,4. The confusion arises around the antisymmetry of the 1s0 state, which is clarified to not be a viable reaction pathway.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fermi-Dirac statistics
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and particle interactions
  • Knowledge of spectroscopic notation
  • Basic principles of parity in quantum states
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Fermi-Dirac statistics in detail
  • Learn about pion interactions and decay processes
  • Research the implications of parity in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the significance of spectroscopic notation in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in particle physics and the behavior of fermions in decay processes.

Gene Naden
Messages
320
Reaction score
64
Does anyone have a reference to a good explanation of this experiment. I am looking at https://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/ph130a/130_notes/node323.html

I am unable to comprehend the reasoning by which it determines the parity of the two neutrons in the final state. Particularly when it says the requirement of F-D statistics restricts the spin and angular momentum of the final state.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That is not a pion decaying to two neutrons. It is the reaction of a pion hitting a deuteron.
 
Yes, I gave the wrong reaction. Thank you for correcting me.

The reference says the allowed two-neutron final states are, because they are identical fermions,
1s0
3p0,1,2
1d2
3f2,3,4

I looked up the spectroscopic notation. It says 1s0 is a singlet state, L=1, with J=0. So how can it be antisymmetric?
 
It does not react to 1s0. Only 3p1 is possible, as explained in the website you linked.
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K