Why Do Pions Decay? Weak Force & Strong Force Explained

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    Decay Pions
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decay of pions, specifically the roles of the weak force and strong force in this process. Participants explore the mechanisms behind pion decay, their creation in particle collisions, and the implications of these interactions within the context of particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the relationship between the weak force and the decay of charged pions, suggesting a potential conflict with the strong force's role in holding particles together.
  • Another participant points to external resources, such as a Wikipedia article, to address some of the initial questions raised about pions.
  • A participant proposes that pions could be created by colliding a proton with an anti-neutron or vice versa, indicating a curiosity about particle interactions.
  • It is noted that sufficient energy in particle collisions can lead to the creation of pion pairs, with pions being described as common occurrences in high-energy physics experiments.
  • A humorous response highlights the emotional impact of referring to pions as "nuisance" in particle physics, indicating a lighter tone in part of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the forces involved in pion decay and their creation, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on these points.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the interactions and definitions of forces may be implicit in the discussion, and the relationship between the forces involved in pion decay remains unresolved.

jshoe96
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I heard that (charged) Pions decay due to the weak force, but what does that have anything to do with it? Also, wouldn't the strong force hold them together?

I actually came up with the idea of the Pion on my own before discovering that it had already been discovered.

Also, could they be created by smashing a proton with an anti-neutron or an anti-neutron with a proton?

Thanks.
 
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Have you looked at anything else? Such as this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pion
It and several of the links explain at least a couple of your questions.
 
jshoe96 said:
Also, could they be created by smashing a proton with an anti-neutron or an anti-neutron with a proton?

If you smash any two particles together with enough energy (enough to create π+π- pairs), you'll get pions. In high-energy particle physics experiments, pions are often a nuisance. They're the "small change" of particle physics.
 
jtbell said:
In high-energy particle physics experiments, pions are often a nuisance. They're the "small change" of particle physics.

Hey...you hurt my feelings. :cry:
 

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