12.4k views
4 votes
Is the decay Σ⁻→n+π−possible considering the appropriate conservation laws? State why or why not.

a) Yes, conserves baryon number and lepton number
b) No, violates baryon number conservation
c) No, violates lepton number conservation
d) Yes, violates both baryon and lepton number conservation

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

The decay Σ^-→n+π^- conserves both baryon number and lepton number, making it a possible process. This conservation is evident when considering the quark constituents of each particle involved in the decay.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decay Σ^-→n+π^- is indeed possible considering the appropriate conservation laws. It conserves both baryon number and lepton number. The Σ^- baryon and the neutron (n) are both baryons, so their decay conserves the baryon number (baryon number for both is +1). The π^- (pion) does not affect baryon number as it is a meson. Lepton number is conserved as well since there are no leptons involved in this decay process.

To write this decay in terms of quark constituents, recall that Σ^- is made up of two down quarks (d) and a strange quark (s), while the neutron is made up of one up quark (u) and two down quarks (d), and π^- consists of a down quark and an anti-up quark (¯u). Thus, the decay in quark terms would be:

Σ^- (dds) → n (udd) + π^- (d¯u)

User Neil Baldwin
by
8.0k points