Gravity's Impact on W and Z Bosons

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In summary, gravity affects the W and Z bosons due to their nonzero energy density, and they interact with photons through interactions of the form (W+) + (W-) ----> photon + Z. The W bosons are electrically charged and can curve in magnetic fields. They do not play a role in the electromagnetic force, which is mediated by photons. Photons can transfer force to charged particles without the need for W bosons. The curvature of a charged particle's path in a magnetic field can be used to determine its mass.
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What affect does gravity have on W and Z bosons?
 
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Can electromagnetic force interact with the W and Z bosons given the photon can exchange momentum to mass? The W and Z bosons both have mass so can a force be exchanged?
 
  • #3
threadmark said:
What affect does gravity have on W and Z bosons?
Since the W and Z bosons each have nonzero energy density, they interact gravitationally. Gravity has the same effect on everything that has stress-energy (anything with energy density and the ability to exert pressure and/or transfer momentum) -- this is a result of the equivalence principle on which general relativity is based.
 
  • #4
threadmark said:
Can electromagnetic force interact with the W and Z bosons given the photon can exchange momentum to mass? The W and Z bosons both have mass so can a force be exchanged?
Only particles with electric charge interact with photons -- mass has nothing to do with it. In the standard model of particle physics, it's possible to have interactions of the form:

(W+) + (W-) ----> photon + Z

but this is not the same as the photon 'interacting' with the Z. There is no direct interaction (for example, there is no coupling term like ZZA, where A = photon) that is allowed in the standard model. This is because the Z is neutral, and A only couples to charged particles.
 
  • #5
If the interaction can involve the W+ and W-.this must affect the interaction W bosons have with other particles. Does the W boson curve in magnetic fields?
 
  • #6
threadmark said:
If the interaction can involve the W+ and W-.this must affect the interaction W bosons have with other particles. Does the W boson curve in magnetic fields?
Sure. The W bosons are electrically charged particles. As such, they couple directly to the photon (there are AW+W- terms in the standard model). A W boson will trace out a curved path in a magnetic field just as an electron would.
 
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So would this force exchange still occur in beta decay and would this force then be transferred to particles involved, like the electron neutrino?
 
  • #8
threadmark said:
So would this force exchange still occur in beta decay and would this force then be transferred to particles involved, like the electron neutrino?

Yes .
 
  • #9
Is the W boson the link in electromagnetic interaction? Are fermions influenced by electromagnetic force through W boson interaction? If not how can we differentiate between charged fermions and fermion boson interaction in magnetic fields?
 
  • #10
No. Photons are the mediators of the electromagnetic force. The W/Z bosons mediate the weak force. There is no way to distinguish a charged boson from a charged fermion by measuring its path through a magnetic field. The curvature of the path of a charged particle through a magnetic field is useful for determining the particle's mass.
 
  • #11
The question would be, could photons transfer force to charged particles without the W boson?
 
  • #12
threadmark said:
The question would be, could photons transfer force to charged particles without the W boson?
Yes. The theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) governs all electromagnetic interactions. No W bosons needed.
 

1. How does gravity impact the behavior of W and Z bosons?

Gravity does not directly impact the behavior of W and Z bosons. These particles are part of the weak nuclear force, which is separate from gravity. However, gravity can indirectly affect the behavior of W and Z bosons by influencing the particles and objects that they interact with.

2. Can gravity affect the decay rate of W and Z bosons?

No, the decay rate of W and Z bosons is determined by the weak nuclear force and is not affected by gravity. However, the strength of gravity can impact the energy and momentum of the particles involved in the decay process.

3. How does the Higgs boson, which is responsible for giving particles mass, relate to gravity's impact on W and Z bosons?

The Higgs boson is also part of the weak nuclear force, along with W and Z bosons. It is responsible for giving particles their mass, but it does not directly interact with gravity. However, the presence of the Higgs field, which gives rise to the Higgs boson, can affect the behavior of particles in the presence of gravity.

4. Is the impact of gravity on W and Z bosons significant at the subatomic level?

Yes, gravity can have an impact on the behavior of particles at the subatomic level. Although it is much weaker than the other fundamental forces, such as the strong and electromagnetic forces, gravity can still influence the behavior of particles and objects with mass, including W and Z bosons.

5. Are there any experiments or observations that have demonstrated the effects of gravity on W and Z bosons?

There have been experiments, such as those conducted at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), that have indirectly observed the effects of gravity on W and Z bosons. These experiments involve studying the behavior of particles and their interactions in high-energy collisions, which can provide insights into the role of gravity at the subatomic level.

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