Questions About W Bosons: Speed, Isolation & Existence

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    Boson W boson
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties and existence of W and Z bosons, including their speed, charge, isolation, and how their existence is confirmed. It touches on theoretical and experimental aspects of particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the speed of W and Z bosons has been measured, noting their extremely short lifespan of about 10^-25 seconds.
  • Another participant points out that W bosons are charged, referencing a source for further information.
  • A different participant mentions the Z boson's mass of about 90 GeV, explaining that this mass is determined by the energy required to produce one.
  • There are repeated inquiries about the isolation of W and Z bosons and the methods used to confirm their existence.
  • A reference to the Nobel Prize in Physics 1984 is provided, suggesting it may contain relevant information regarding the existence of these particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the measurement of the speed of W and Z bosons and their isolation. There is no consensus on how their existence is confirmed, and multiple viewpoints are presented regarding their properties.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions and interpretations of particle properties, such as charge and mass, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding the measurement and isolation of these particles.

Thinkor
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Has the speed of W (or Z) bosons ever been measured?
I presume not, because I have read they exist for only about 10^-25 seconds.

So, how is it known that they are not charged particles that move at the speed of light, with energy, but no mass, like photons?

Have they ever been isolated?

How is it known that they exist?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
http://pdg.lbl.gov/

Look through the above. It contains lots of information about W and Z particles. Note that the W particles are charged.
 
The Z boson is uncharged, but we know its mass is about 90 GeV. Why? Because it takes a minimum of 90 GeV energy to make one!
 
Thinkor said:
Have they ever been isolated?

How is it known that they exist?

Nobel Prize in Physics 1984

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1984/rubbia-lecture.pdf (PDF)
 

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