What happens when a neutral pion decays?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The neutral pion decays into two photons in approximately 8 x 10-17 seconds. This decay process involves the annihilation of a quark-antiquark pair, specifically an up quark and an anti-up quark. The discussion also touches on the concept of quark color charge and whether the notation (up anti up - down anti down)/√2 indicates a change in quark type. Additionally, the stability of positronium, which lasts for about 125 picoseconds, is referenced to draw parallels with the behavior of quarks during decay.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, particularly mesons and their decay processes.
  • Familiarity with quark-antiquark pair dynamics and color charge in quantum chromodynamics.
  • Knowledge of particle decay timescales, specifically in the context of neutral pions and phi mesons.
  • Basic grasp of quantum notation and its implications in particle interactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the decay mechanisms of neutral pions and their comparison to other mesons.
  • Study quantum chromodynamics and the role of color charge in particle interactions.
  • Explore the properties and decay times of positronium and its relevance to quark behavior.
  • Investigate the mathematical representation of quark states and their implications in particle physics.
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the intricacies of meson decay and quark interactions.

mrcotton
Messages
120
Reaction score
0
The neutral phi meson decays to make two photons after around 8 x10-17 seconds
Is this just straight annihilation of the quark anti quark pair?
If it is this does it take this amount of time due the quark colour, as in do you need a red up and a red anti up for annihilation?
Or does this notation I have seen that says (up anti up - down anti down)/√2 mean that the quarks are changing type?
Or are they spiralling around each other in the same way that positronium is stable for 125 pic seconds?
Thanks for any help on this
Mr C
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The neutral phi meson decays to make two photons after around 8 x10-17 seconds
Or does this notation I have seen that says (up anti up - down anti down)/√2 mean that the quarks are changing type?
Did you mean to say the neutral pion? According to Wikipedia the phi meson decays in 10-22 sec
 
Hi Bill_k
it was the neutral pion I meant. It the idea that it is made from an up anti up that has got me thinking about this
 

Similar threads

Graduate How are neutral pi mesons formed and what is their composition?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate What Prevents Quark-Antiquark Annihilation in Neutral Pions and J/ψ Mesons?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Graduate Why is the decay of a neutral ρ meson to two neutral π's disallowed?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Graduate Do baryons only decay via the weak force?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
Undergrad Imagining a Higgsless Universe
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
9K
Consider the hypothetical decay of the Φ(1020) meson into 3 pions
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Decay Widths of Neutral Vector Mesons
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
How to Determine the Lifetime of Rho Meson and Kaon?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Undergrad Progress In Calculating The HLbL Contribution To Muon g-2
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Is it possible the decay of rho neutral meson to two pions?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
13K