Question

Is the decay μ− → e− +νₑ+νμ 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

Answer 1

The decay μ⁻ → e⁻ + νe + νμ violates conservation of muon lepton number and is thus not possible.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the conservation laws, the decay μ⁻ → e⁻ + νe + νμ is not possible. This is because conservation of lepton number in particle physics is violated in this process.

The muon (μ⁻) has a muon lepton number of +1. During the decay, an electron (e⁻) and an electron neutrino (νe) are produced, both having an electron lepton number of +1, but these particles do not account for muon lepton number. Additionally, a muon neutrino (νμ) with a muon lepton number of +1 is also produced.

The initial muon lepton number is +1, but the products account for a muon lepton number of +2; thus the conservation of muon lepton number is not observed, making the decay impossible based on the provided information.