Why don't neutrinos pass through atoms?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of neutrinos in relation to atoms, specifically addressing why neutrinos do not typically pass through atoms without interaction. The scope includes theoretical aspects of particle physics and the nature of neutrino interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that while neutrinos can smash into atoms and create electrons, the overwhelming majority of neutrinos actually pass through without interaction.
  • Others argue that the rarity of neutrino interactions is due to their extremely small cross section, with estimates suggesting that only one in 10 trillion neutrinos will interact with a nucleus.
  • A later reply mentions that interactions, when they do occur, are mediated by the weak nuclear force.
  • One participant raises a question about the fate of the vast number of neutrinos produced by nuclear reactions, suggesting uncertainty about their accumulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that most neutrinos pass through atoms without interaction, but there is contention regarding the implications and details of these interactions, particularly concerning the mechanisms and probabilities involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on specific energy levels for neutrino interactions and the limitations of current understanding regarding the accumulation of neutrinos.

Chrisana
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Neutrino
Summary: Neutrino

A neutrino smashes into an atom and creates an electron - why doesn't the neutrino pass through the atom?
 
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Chrisana said:
Summary: Neutrino

A neutrino smashes into an atom and creates an electron - why doesn't the neutrino pass through the atom?
Afaik, most of them do, which is why they are so hard to detect. Neutrinos are produced by nuclear reactions on a regular basis but the reverse process is much less probable. Which raises the question of where are all these neutrinos going. Is the level just building up?? :wink:
 
Chrisana said:
Summary: Neutrino

A neutrino smashes into an atom and creates an electron - why doesn't the neutrino pass through the atom?

It does! Overwhelming majority of them do! Otherwise they won't be so elusive from detection.

Zz.
 
I moved the thread to the particle physics section.

A typical neutrino cross section at 1 GeV is 10-38 cm2. Compare this to the typical geometric size of a nucleus, 10-25 cm2: Only one in 10 trillion neutrinos will interact with the nucleus, the others fly just through it. At lower energies the probability of a reaction is even smaller.
 
But on those rare occasions when it does interact the interaction is due to the weak nuclear force.
 
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Thank you all for your kind replies.
 
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