W and Z bosons
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In particle physics, the W and Z bosons are vector bosons that are together known as the weak bosons or more generally as the intermediate vector bosons. These elementary particles mediate the weak in
The Gargamelle bubble chamber, now exhibited at CERN
Beta decay
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In nuclear physics, beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits a beta particle, transforming into an isobar of that nuclide. For example, beta decay of a neutron transf
W and Z bosons
…mediate the weak nuclear force, much as the photon is the carrier particle for the electromagnetic force. The W± bosons are best known for their role in beta decay. Consider, for example, the beta decay of cobalt-60. This reaction does not involve the whole cobalt-60 nucleus, but affects only one of its 33 neutrons…
Energy-level diagrams depicting nuclear transitions involving beta decay.
A beta spectrum, showing a typical division of energy between electron and antineutrino
Beta spectrum of 210Bi. Emax = Q = 1.16 MeV is the maximum energy