Nuclear & Particle Physics
2 terms
W and Z Bosons
Nuclear & Particle Physics
GeV/c² (Rest Mass Energy)
Massive elementary vector gauge bosons that mediate the weak nuclear interaction.
M_W ≈ 80.38 GeV/c², M_Z ≈ 91.19 GeV/c², Spin = 1
Weak Nuclear Force
Nuclear & Particle Physics
Range ~ 10⁻¹⁸ m
The short-range fundamental interaction responsible for flavor-changing particle transformations, neutrino interactions, and radioactive beta decay.
Mediated by massive W⁺, W⁻, and Z⁰ gauge bosons