Question

The decay of one type of K-meson is cited as evidence that nature favors matter over antimatter. Since mesons are composed of a quark and an antiquark, is it surprising that they would preferentially decay to one type over another? Is this an asymmetry in nature? Is the predominance of matter over antimatter an asymmetry?

a) Yes, it is surprising; matter-antimatter asymmetry is not present
b) No, it is not surprising; matter-antimatter asymmetry is an observed phenomenon
c) Yes, it is surprising; matter-antimatter asymmetry is an artifact of experimental errors
d) No, it is not surprising; matter-antimatter asymmetry is not established

Answer 1

The decay of one type of K-meson preferentially creating more matter than antimatter is evidence that nature favors matter over antimatter. This small asymmetry in the decay process produces slightly more matter than antimatter in the early universe.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decay of one type of K-meson preferentially creating more matter than antimatter is evidence that nature favors matter over antimatter. The decay of one type of K-meson preferentially creating more matter than antimatter is evidence that nature favors matter over antimatter. This small asymmetry in the decay process produces slightly more matter than antimatter in the early universe.

It is not surprising that mesons would preferentially decay to one type over another because there is a small asymmetry in the basic forces that cause this preference. This small asymmetry in the decay process produces slightly more matter than antimatter in the early universe.

If there was only a small asymmetry, the rest would annihilate pair for pair, leaving nearly pure matter to form the stars and galaxies we see today, resulting in the predominance of matter over antimatter in the universe.