Question
Give the $\pi^{+}$and $\mu^{+}$decay processes. List the possible decay modes of the $\tau^{-}$lepton (the $\tau$ is the third lepton in the sequence e, $\mu, \tau$ with a mass $m_\tau=1.8 \mathrm{GeV}$ ).
Step 1
The $\pi^{+}$ meson primarily decays via the weak interaction. The most common decay mode (about 99.9877% of the time) is: \[ \pi^{+} \rightarrow \mu^{+} + \nu_{\mu} \] where $\mu^{+}$ is the positive muon and $\nu_{\mu}$ is the muon neutrino. Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Narayan Hari and 63 other educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
A charged pion can decay either into a muon or an elecThe two decay modes of a $\pi^{-}$ are: $\pi^{-} \rightarrow \mu^{-}+\bar{v}_{\mu}$ and $\pi^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{e}^{-}+\bar{\nu}_{\mathrm{e}} .$ Write the two decay modes for the $\pi^{+}$ [ Hint: $\pi^{+}$ is the antiparticle of $\pi^{-} .$ Replace each particle in the decay reaction with its corresponding antiparticle.]
The decay mode of the positive tau is $\tau^{+} \rightarrow \mu^{+}+\nu_{\mu}+\overline{\nu}_{\tau}$ (a) What energy is released? (b) Verify that charge and lepton family numbers are conserved. decay products of the $\tau^{+}$ are the antiparticles of those in the decay of the $\tau^{-}$ given in the text.
A charged pion can decay either into a muon or an electron. The two decay modes of a $\pi^{-}$ are: $\pi^{-} \rightarrow \mu^{-}+\bar{v}_{\mu}$ and $\pi^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{e}^{-}+\bar{v}_{\mathrm{e}} .$ Write the two decay modes for the $\pi^{+}$ [Hint: $\pi^{+}$ is the antiparticle of $\pi^{-} .$ Replace each particle in the decay reaction with its corresponding antiparticle.]
Transcript
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD