Why does the pion^0 decay into two gammas with different spins?

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In summary, Pion^0 decay is a type of radioactive decay that occurs in subatomic particles called pions. When a Pion^0 decays, it breaks apart into two gamma rays due to the strong force. These decays are significant for understanding particle properties and have medical applications. The rate of Pion^0 decay is constant and cannot be observed in everyday life.
  • #1
tsinghua
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dear all,
pion^0 particle has a spin 0, but its decayed gamma has spin of 1. why this process could happens?
Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
tsinghua said:
dear all,
pion^0 particle has a spin 0, but its decayed gamma has spin of 1. why this process could happens?
Thanks in advance.

The spin of a photon is one, but it also has a direction. The spins of the the two photons are antiparallel, so total spin angular momentum is zero, as was the pion.
 

1. What is a Pion^0 decay?

A Pion^0 decay is a type of radioactive decay that occurs in subatomic particles called pions. Pions are composed of a quark and an antiquark, and when a Pion^0 decays, it breaks apart into two gamma rays.

2. How do Pion^0 decays produce two gamma rays?

Pion^0 decays occur when the strong force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, causes the pion to break apart. The energy from the pion is transformed into two gamma rays, which are high-energy photons.

3. What is the significance of Pion^0 decays?

Pion^0 decays are important for understanding the fundamental properties of particles and the forces that govern them. They also have practical applications in medical imaging, as gamma rays can be used for imaging and treatment of certain diseases.

4. How does the rate of Pion^0 decay change over time?

The rate of Pion^0 decay is constant and does not change over time. This is known as the half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the pions to decay. The half-life for Pion^0 decay is approximately 8.4×10^-17 seconds.

5. Can Pion^0 decay be observed in everyday life?

No, Pion^0 decays are not observed in everyday life as they occur on a subatomic level. However, they can be observed in particle accelerators and through experiments in particle physics.

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