Problems with electromagnet force and weak force

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences between electromagnetic and weak forces in particle physics. The electromagnetic force is mediated by massless photons, allowing for infinite range, while the weak force involves massive intermediate bosons: W+ (80 GeV), W- (80 GeV), and Z0 (90 GeV). The concept of "borrowing energy from the vacuum" arises from the need to create these bosons during weak interactions, as the mass-energy of the interacting particles is insufficient. This borrowing is explained through the uncertainty principle, which permits temporary energy fluctuations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically electromagnetic and weak forces
  • Familiarity with intermediate bosons: W+ and W- particles, Z0 particle
  • Knowledge of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics
  • Basic grasp of grand unified theories (GUTs)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics
  • Explore grand unified theories (GUTs) and their implications in particle physics
  • Study the properties and interactions of W and Z bosons
  • Investigate the concept of vacuum energy and its significance in quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on particle physics, quantum mechanics, and theoretical physics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of fundamental forces and particle interactions.

Rico L
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
The electromagnetic force is mediated by photons , which have 0 mass. so electromagnetic forces have infinite range. the weak force is mediated by three intermediate bosons, W+, W-and Z0 particles. these all have mass, the two W particles about 80GeV and the Z is about 90GeV.

the bit below is what i don't really get...

"in order to carry out the weak interaction from 1 particle to the next, the appropriate intermediate boson has to be created out of nothing at all." but why? and it says "using energy borrowed from the vacuum."

what does it mean by " borrow " the energy from the vacuum.


thanks ..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
can you tells us where you find those quotes?

it seems that they steam from some introductory semi-quantum field theory explanation...
 
oh.. i got it from a book ..
 
it is from an article of "grand unified theories(GUTs)"

further reading: G.D.Coughlan and J.E Dodd, " the idea of particle physic; Yuval Ne'eman and Yoram Kirsch, " the particle hunters "

thats it ppl... sorry..
 
Rico L said:
... the appropriate intermediate boson has to be created out of nothing at all. but why?

The mass/energy of the interacting particles isn't enough to create the 80 or 90 GeV boson, so the virtual boson borrows energy from the vacuum.


what does it mean by " borrow " the energy from the vacuum.


The uncertainty principle allows for energy to be 'borrowed' if it is paid-back within a (very) short time.

Neil
 
captn said:
The uncertainty principle allows for energy to be 'borrowed' if it is paid-back within a (very) short time.

No you are miss using the HUP, firstly hup is a statistical relation for many event is QUantum Mechanics

secondly, you are progably referring to delta E delta t ~ hbar
which is NOT am uncertainty principle, there is not energy-time uncertainty relation!
 
ansgar said:
secondly, you are progably referring to delta E delta t ~ hbar
which is NOT am uncertainty principle, there is not energy-time uncertainty relation!
Care to elaborate?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why is the Weak Force Considered Weak Despite the High Mass of the W Boson?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
Undergrad Why is the weak force a force?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad When is weak interaction a force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Weak interaction - is it a force?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Strong and Weak Nuclear forces at long ranges
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Weak force symmetry broken above 250 GeV?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Is the weak force really a force ?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Graduate What were the clues that the weak and EM force are the same
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Measuring characteristic time of strong and weak interaction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K