I Why Can a W Boson Decay into Quarks of Different Generations?

Click For Summary
A W Boson can decay into quark-antiquark pairs of different generations, contrary to the initial assumption that it must decay into pairs of the same generation. This process occurs less frequently due to kinematic constraints, as heavier quarks are more challenging to produce. The mixing between quark generations, described by the CKM matrix, also influences the decay rates. Overall, while decays into different generations are possible, they are rarer compared to same-generation decays. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for studying particle interactions in physics.
Sturm
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
Why can't a W Boson decay into for ex. up and anti strange
Hi,
i was wondering why a W Boson must always decay into a quark anti quark pair of the same generation. Why can it not for example decay into an up ant anti strange pair?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The premise of the question is false. The W does indeed decay into quarks of different generations, but more rarely. The rates are controlled by the kinematics (heavier quarks are harder to produce) and the mixing between generations (which is small and given by the CKM matrix entries).
 
  • Like
Likes ohwilleke, Vanadium 50 and mfb
Hi everyone, I am doing a final project on the title " fundamentals of neutrino physics". I wanted to raise some issues with neutrino which makes it the possible way to the physics beyond standard model. I am myself doing some research on these topics but at some points the math bugs me out. Anyway, i have some questions which answers themselves confounded me due to the complicated math. Some pf them are: 1. Why wouldn't there be a mirror image of a neutrino? Is it because they are...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
652
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
4K