Why is radioactive decay so rare?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the rarity of radioactive decay, specifically examining the role of the weak force in particle interactions. Participants highlight that quarks and electrons possess weak iso-spin, which influences their behavior within nucleons. The emission of W- bosons, which are heavy and require significant energy for creation, is identified as a key factor limiting the frequency of these interactions. This understanding clarifies why radioactive decay events are infrequent despite the proximity of quarks within nucleons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of weak force and its role in particle physics
  • Familiarity with quark structure and nucleon composition
  • Knowledge of W-boson properties and their energy requirements
  • Basic concepts of particle interactions and decay processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and interactions of W-bosons in particle physics
  • Study the implications of weak iso-spin on particle behavior
  • Explore the energy thresholds required for particle decay processes
  • Investigate the role of the weak force in the Standard Model of particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the mechanisms behind radioactive decay and fundamental forces in nature.

cmcraes
Messages
99
Reaction score
6
Hi all, I'm just curious about the weak force and how it works.
If quarks and electrons both have weak iso-spin and are constantly whizzing about next to their neighbour's (especially so inside a nucleon), what prevents say, the up quarks from emitting a W- boson everytime they are near a down quark?
Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A W-boson is quite heavy and can be created only when a lot of energy is available.
 

Similar threads

High School Beta decay and the down quark.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Randomness of radioactive decay
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Why Can a W Boson Decay into Quarks of Different Generations?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad How do hidden variables supposedly explain radioactive decay?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Undergrad The Mystery of Atomic Decay: Is it Truly Random or is There More at Play?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Undergrad Is Toponium a Reality Despite Top Quark's Rapid Decay?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Undergrad How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad Twin paradox in SR and its applicability to radioactive decay
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Can alpha radiation make other materials radioactive?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate Particle Decay: Radioactivity & Reversibility
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K