Understanding the Relationship Between Neutrino Flavours and Mass Eigenstates

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between neutrino flavour eigenstates and mass eigenstates, specifically in the context of neutrinos produced from charged pion decay. The weak force is identified as the mechanism responsible for this decay, resulting in the production of a muon neutrino, which exists initially in a flavour eigenstate. As it propagates, this neutrino transitions into a linear combination of mass eigenstates, illustrating the fundamental principles of neutrino oscillation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of weak force interactions in particle physics
  • Familiarity with neutrino flavour and mass eigenstates
  • Basic knowledge of particle decay processes, specifically pion decay
  • Concept of quantum superposition in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of neutrino oscillation and its implications
  • Study the weak force and its role in particle decay
  • Explore the mathematical framework of flavour and mass eigenstates
  • Investigate experimental evidence supporting neutrino flavour transitions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of neutrinos and their behavior in weak interactions.

David_Harkin
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Could somebody please explain to me the difference between flavour and mass eigenstates.

The question is "Neutrinos can be produced from charged pion decay, What
force is involved, and at the time of creation is the neutrino in a flavour or
mass eigenstate, and why?"

And why would it be in one of these states at creation?

Cheers Guys!
 
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Hello David! :wink:
David_Harkin said:
The question is "Neutrinos can be produced from charged pion decay, What
force is involved, and at the time of creation is the neutrino in a flavour or
mass eigenstate, and why?"

First, what force is involved? :smile:
 
Most definitely weak!
 
In the decay pion-->muon+neutrino the neutrino must be in the flavor eigenstate of a muon neutrino. It propagates as a linear combination of two (or three) mass eigenstates.
 

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