Why Do Gluons Decay into u-anti-u Pairs Instead of Z0 Bosons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the decay of gluons into u-anti-u pairs and the comparison to potential decay into Z0 bosons. Participants explore the mechanisms involved, specifically the roles of the strong and weak forces in particle interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes an example of gluon decay into a u-anti-u pair and questions why this occurs via the strong force instead of the Z0 boson.
  • Another participant corrects the initial claim, stating that the decay involves a d-anti-d pair instead of u-anti-u.
  • It is suggested that while the Z0 boson could facilitate such a decay, it is less likely due to being "off-shell" and the inherent nature of the weak force being less probable for this process.
  • A later reply emphasizes that if a gluon can be used in a diagram, it is typically preferred over the weak force interactions unless considering less probable scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the likelihood of gluons versus Z0 bosons facilitating the decay, indicating that there is no consensus on the preference for one mechanism over the other.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which gluons and Z0 bosons would be considered for decay processes, as well as the implications of being "off-shell." The discussion does not clarify the specific contexts or limitations of these interactions.

Onjii
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sorry it's a d and anti-d pair!
 
the Z0 boson could do that, but ... weak force is called 'weak' for a reason... the Z0 would be way too off-shell.
It's much more likely that a gluon will do the job... and in most of cases, if you can draw a diagram with a gluon, you'll preferably draw it with that... except for if you are interested to less probable stuff...
 
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Thanks, just the kind of answer i was looking for!
 

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