The Outcome of W+ and W- Boson Collision

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    Boson Collision
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the collision of W+ and W- bosons, exploring the outcomes of such interactions. It touches on theoretical implications and particle physics concepts related to the weak force and electroweak interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that W+ and W- bosons would annihilate due to being antiparticles.
  • Others argue that the collision could lead to the formation of a Z boson, suggesting that the weak force influences the interaction.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty, noting a lack of detailed knowledge about the differences between W and Z bosons.
  • Another participant references electroweak interaction terms, indicating that various outcomes, including the production of other particles, could result from the collision.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are competing views on whether the bosons annihilate or form a Z boson, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed exploration of the interactions and the dependence on specific theoretical frameworks that may not be universally accepted.

VreemdeGozer
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I was just wondering, what would happen when a W+ boson and a W- boson collide?
 
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Since they are antiparticles of each other they would annihilate.
 
I thought they form a Z particle. Since the W are themselves affected of the weak force.
 
To the best of my knowledge they would annihilate each other. However, I have not looked into details, so it might be that the W and Z bosons are different somehow. I have simply never seen anything that said that.
 
Take a look at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroweak_interaction

The lagrangian terms with a W+ W- and something else are the simplest vertices involving that collision.

I see W+ W- >>>>
A
Z
WW
AA ZZ AZ
Higgs terms, etc

Where A = photon, Z = Z boson and WW = another W+ W- pair.
 

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