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Chapter 39: Problem 40

Both the neutral kaon and the neutral \(\rho\) meson can decay to a pion- antipion pair. Which of these decays is mediated by the weak force? How can you tell?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The decay of the Kaon to a pion-antipion pair is mediated by the weak force due to the change in quark flavor that occurs in the decay. In contrast, the decay of the neutral \(\rho\) meson does not involve a change of quark flavor, and therefore, is likely not mediated by the weak force.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the composition of particles

The Kaon is a type of meson that is made of a strange quark and its anti-quark. The neutral \(\rho\) meson, on the other hand, is made up of either up and anti-up, or down and anti-down quarks.
02

Determine the nature of the decays

In both decays, the particles are decaying into a pion-antipion pair. A pion is composed of either an up and anti-down, or down and anti-up quark. Thus, the decay of a neutral \(\rho\) meson to a pion-antipion pair does not involve a change in quark flavor, while the decay of a Kaon to a pion-antipion pair does.
03

Identify the forces involved

The weak force is characterized by mediating decays that change quark flavor. From the information in step 2, it can be seen that only the decay of the Kaon changes quark flavor. Therefore, only the decay of the Kaon is likely to be mediated by the weak force.

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