Questions on Neutrinos: How Do We Know?

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Neutrinos
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the detection of neutrinos and the understanding of their prevalence, particularly in relation to solar fusion processes. Participants explore both theoretical and experimental aspects of neutrino detection, addressing the apparent discrepancy between the number of detected neutrinos and the estimated number passing through the human body.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how it is known that billions of neutrinos pass through the body if only a few have been detected.
  • Another participant explains that theoretical estimates based on solar fusion reactions suggest a large number of neutrinos are produced, which aligns with experimental detection rates.
  • A later reply indicates that the number of neutrinos detected is consistent with theoretical predictions, prompting a clarification on what is meant by "a few."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the detection of neutrinos, with some agreeing on the theoretical basis for their prevalence while others express confusion about the actual detection numbers. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the clarity of the detection process.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on theoretical estimates and the small reaction rates of neutrinos, which may affect the clarity of the discussion regarding detection methods and their implications.

Ms Music
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Sorry, I am just a newbie here, but I hope I can ask some basic questions about neutrinos that I haven't been able to find in books?

My first question for starters... then I will see how it goes.

If science has only been able to detect a few neutrinos, how do we know for certain that billions are passing through my body as you read this?
 
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There are two basic reasons - theoretical and experimental.

Theoretical: The fusion reactions which make the sun (and all stars, etc.) shine produces lots of neutrinos - the physicists have made good estimates.

Experimental: Since the reaction rates of neutrinos are very small and are known, the experiments detecting them can be used to estimate the number passing through the device and therefore through us. Moreover the estimates are in good agreement with the theoretical estimate of solar neutrinos.
 
Hmmm, guess I definitely need to read up again. I thought that detectors had only been able to detect a few...
 
Ms_Music: define "a few" ? :)

They detect as many as they should according to theory.
 

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