What are the differences between photon and neutrino oscillations?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the differences between photon and neutrino oscillations, emphasizing that photons do not oscillate as neutrinos do. It establishes that while both can have the same de-Broglie wavelength, neutrinos possess greater energy due to their mass, particularly when considering their rest energy. The conversation highlights that photons, being massless, have the highest possible energy at a given momentum, while neutrinos, especially the heavier types, exhibit lower kinetic energies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with particle physics terminology
  • Knowledge of de-Broglie wavelength calculations
  • Basic concepts of energy and momentum in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of neutrino mass eigenstates
  • Study the implications of mass on particle energy
  • Explore the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the role of momentum in determining particle energy
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental differences between massless and massive particles in the context of particle physics.

jojoistherealking
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
i'm wondering about the differences in oscillations between a photon and neutrino, does a neutrino have a wider probability range (or a greater amplitude for a possible location than does a photon) how do the probability ranges for a photon and a neutrino compare when not looking at wavelength but the height of the wave?

if a photon and neutrino had the same wavelength (like 1/1000meter), it's safe to assume that the neutrino would have a lot more energy right?

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What do you mean by photon oscillation? Unlike neutrinos, there's only one kind of photon.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
oscillation was the wrong word, unsurprisingly, i guess i mean differences in the wave
 
jojoistherealking said:
if a photon and neutrino had the same wavelength (like 1/1000meter), it's safe to assume that the neutrino would have a lot more energy right?
A de-Broglie wavelength of 1mm corresponds to a momentum of 1.2 meV/c, two of the neutrino mass eigenstates are slow at this speed, for the third we don't know. At a given momentum a photon (as every massless particle) has the largest possible energy, so the kinetic energies of the neutrinos would be lower, especially for the heavier types. The total energy (if you include the rest energy for neutrinos) is higher.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
773
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
5K