Understanding the Relationship Between Neutrino Flavours and Mass Eigenstates

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between flavor and mass eigenstates of neutrinos, and whether a neutrino created from charged pion decay is in a flavor or mass eigenstate and why. The force involved in this process is the weak force, and the neutrino is in the flavor eigenstate of a muon neutrino at the time of creation. It propagates as a linear combination of mass eigenstates.
  • #1
David_Harkin
28
0
Could somebody please explain to me the difference between flavour and mass eigenstates.

The question is "Neutrinos can be produced from charged pion decay, What
force is involved, and at the time of creation is the neutrino in a flavour or
mass eigenstate, and why?"

And why would it be in one of these states at creation?

Cheers Guys!
 
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  • #2
Hello David! :wink:
David_Harkin said:
The question is "Neutrinos can be produced from charged pion decay, What
force is involved, and at the time of creation is the neutrino in a flavour or
mass eigenstate, and why?"

First, what force is involved? :smile:
 
  • #3
Most definately weak!
 
  • #4
In the decay pion-->muon+neutrino the neutrino must be in the flavor eigenstate of a muon neutrino. It propagates as a linear combination of two (or three) mass eigenstates.
 

FAQ: Understanding the Relationship Between Neutrino Flavours and Mass Eigenstates

What are flavour and mass eigenstates?

Flavour and mass eigenstates are two different ways to describe the properties of particles in quantum mechanics. Flavour eigenstates refer to the specific type of particle, such as an electron or a quark, while mass eigenstates refer to the specific mass of a particle. These two states can be different for certain particles, meaning that a particle can have a different flavour and mass at the same time.

What is the difference between flavour and mass eigenstates?

The main difference between flavour and mass eigenstates is the property that they describe. Flavour eigenstates describe the type of particle, while mass eigenstates describe the mass of the particle. Additionally, flavour eigenstates are determined by the type of interaction a particle undergoes, while mass eigenstates are determined by the mass of the particle.

Why do we use flavour and mass eigenstates?

We use flavour and mass eigenstates to describe the fundamental properties of particles in quantum mechanics. These states allow us to understand the behavior and interactions of particles at the subatomic level. Additionally, using these states simplifies calculations and allows for a more accurate description of particle properties.

How are flavour and mass eigenstates related?

Flavour and mass eigenstates are related through a mathematical transformation known as a mixing matrix. This matrix allows us to transform between the two states, as particles can exist in a superposition of different flavour and mass eigenstates. The mixing matrix also helps us understand how particles can change from one state to another through interactions.

Can flavour and mass eigenstates change?

Yes, flavour and mass eigenstates can change through interactions with other particles. This is known as mixing or oscillation, and it occurs because particles can exist in a superposition of different states. For example, a particle with a specific flavour eigenstate can change into a different flavour eigenstate through an interaction, while still maintaining its original mass eigenstate.

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