What Are the Possible Decay Processes of the W⁻ Boson?

In summary, the possible decay processes of the ##W^{-}## boson can be determined by inspecting the charged current interaction terms in the Lagrangian, and the direction of the arrows on the external fermion and anti-fermion lines in the Feynman diagram must be known beforehand based on the particle/anti-particle properties.
  • #1
spaghetti3451
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The decay processes of the ##W## bosons are completely governed by the charged current interaction terms of the Standard model:

$$\mathcal{L}_{cc}
= ie_{W}\big[W_{\mu}^{+}(\bar{\nu}_{m}\gamma^{\mu}(1-\gamma_{5})e_{m} + V_{mn}\bar{u}_{m}\gamma^{\mu}(1-\gamma_{5})d_{n})\\
+ W_{\mu}^{-}(\bar{e}_{m}\gamma^{\mu}(1-\gamma_{5})\nu_{m} + (V^{\dagger})_{mn}\bar{d}_{m}\gamma^{\mu}(1-\gamma_{5})u_{n})\big].$$

I would like to find the possible decay processes of the ##W^{-}## boson.

I would like to find the Feynman diagrams for each of these processes.

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I find that I have to use electric charge conservation and lepton charge conservation to deduce that the possible decay processes are

$$W^{-} \to e^{-} \bar{\nu}_{e}$$
$$W^{-} \to \mu^{-}\bar{\nu}_{\mu}$$
$$W^{-} \to \tau^{-}\bar{\nu}_{\tau}$$
$$W^{-} \to d\bar{u}$$
$$W^{-} \to s\bar{c}$$

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As the fermion is outgoing, the arrow on its external line in the Feynman diagram must point outwards.

As the anti-fermion is outgoing, the arrow on its external line in the Feynman diagram must point inwards.

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1. Is there a way to obtain these possible decay processes without using conservation laws and by simply inspecting the Lagrangian?

2. Is there a way to determine if the arrows on the external fermion and anti-fermion lines must point inwards and outwards without knowing using their particle/anti-particle property and by simply inspecting the Lagrangian?
 
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  • #2


1. Yes, there is a way to obtain these possible decay processes by inspecting the Lagrangian. The Lagrangian contains information about the interactions between particles and their corresponding decay processes. In this case, the charged current interaction terms in the Lagrangian involve both leptons and quarks, and the possible decay processes of the ##W^{-}## boson can be determined by looking at the terms involving these particles.

2. No, it is not possible to determine the direction of the arrows on the external fermion and anti-fermion lines without knowing their particle/anti-particle properties. The arrows represent the direction of the particle flow in the Feynman diagram, and knowing whether the particle is a fermion or an anti-fermion is crucial in determining this direction. This information is not explicitly given in the Lagrangian and must be known beforehand.
 

FAQ: What Are the Possible Decay Processes of the W⁻ Boson?

1. What is the purpose of using Lagrangian and conservation laws in deducing decay processes and Feynman diagrams?

The use of Lagrangian and conservation laws allows us to mathematically describe and predict the behavior of particles involved in decay processes. These laws provide a framework for understanding the fundamental forces and interactions between particles, and help us determine the probability of a particular decay process occurring.

2. How does the Lagrangian formalism help in understanding decay processes?

The Lagrangian formalism allows us to express the dynamics of a system in terms of its energy and momentum. This enables us to analyze the behavior of particles involved in decay processes and determine the conditions under which they can decay.

3. How do Feynman diagrams aid in visualizing decay processes?

Feynman diagrams are graphical representations of the interactions between particles involved in a decay process. They help us visualize the different paths that particles can take and the probability of each path occurring. This allows us to better understand the underlying physics of decay processes.

4. What conservation laws are important in deducing decay processes?

Conservation laws such as conservation of energy, momentum, and charge are crucial in deducing decay processes. These laws ensure that the total energy and momentum of the particles involved in a decay process remain constant before and after the decay, and that charge is conserved.

5. Can Lagrangian and conservation laws be applied to all types of decay processes?

Yes, Lagrangian and conservation laws can be applied to all types of decay processes, including nuclear, particle, and radioactive decays. These principles are fundamental to understanding the behavior of particles and interactions between them, and can be applied to a wide range of physical phenomena.

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