Weak force vertex factor V - A

[a dull boy]

Hi forum,

The weak force vertex factor is γ^u(1-γ⁵). Am I right that
the axial component only couples to left handed fermions? Does the vector component
couple to both left and right-handed fermions?

Thanks, Mark

 

[Parlyne]

It's the combination of the two that only couples to left-handed fermions. On their own, the V coupling gives you something like R+L and the A coupling gives R-L, so V-A cancels the couplings to R and only leaves couplings to L.

 

[a dull boy]

Thanks very much Parlyne, that was a very helpful answer.