Why the Neutrino oscillates and the electron doesn't?

In summary, the discovery that electron neutrinos can transform into muon neutrinos surprised the physics community, as it was previously thought that electrons could not transform into muons. This process is prohibited for a free particle due to energy/momentum conservation. The concept of mixing angles is important in understanding the difference between flavor and mass eigenstates. Even if mixing is possible, it would be a rare occurrence.
  • #1
the_pulp
207
9
I mean, the electron neutrino can transform in a muon neutrino after a while. And that surprised the physics community because the electron can't transform to a muon. But

1) can't the electron transform into a W and a W into a muon?
2) So, Why we say that the neutrino oscillate and the electron doesn´t?
3) Why we make all that mess of mixing angle? can't we say that the electron neutrino transforms into a W and then it transform into a muon neutrino?

Sorry for my ignorance and thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!
 
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  • #2
Assuming you mean a process like e- → W- + ve → W- + vμ → μ-, this is prohibited for a free particle by energy/momentum conservation even if the total energy of the incoming electron is sufficient to create a muon. This is similar to why a free electon cannot radiate photons.
 
  • #3
AdrianTheRock said:
Assuming you mean a process like e- → W- + ve → W- + vμ → μ-, this is prohibited for a free particle by energy/momentum conservation even if the total energy of the incoming electron is sufficient to create a muon. This is similar to why a free electon cannot radiate photons.
Well, with the same argument, you could rule out ve -> vμ.
The interesting point at mixing is the difference of flavor and mass eigenstates - if electrons and muons could mix, there is no "mass of an electron", as an electron would be a superposition of three different mass eigenstates.

An interesting question - but even if mixing is possible, I think it would be extremely rare.
 

FAQ: Why the Neutrino oscillates and the electron doesn't?

1. What is a neutrino oscillation?

A neutrino oscillation is a phenomenon in which a neutrino changes from one type to another as it travels through space.

2. Why do neutrinos oscillate?

Neutrinos oscillate because they have mass and different types of neutrinos have different masses. As they travel, the neutrinos have a chance of interacting with other particles, causing them to change types.

3. Why don't electrons oscillate like neutrinos?

Electrons do not oscillate like neutrinos because they have a much greater mass and do not have the same properties that allow for oscillation.

4. How do we know that neutrinos oscillate?

Scientists have conducted experiments that have shown that neutrinos have changed types as they travel through space. This change in type can only be explained by neutrino oscillation.

5. Can neutrino oscillations impact our understanding of the universe?

Yes, neutrino oscillations can have a significant impact on our understanding of the universe. By studying neutrino oscillations, we can learn more about the fundamental properties of matter and the role of neutrinos in the universe.

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