W and Z bosons are fundamental particles that mediate the weak force, one of the four fundamental forces in nature, responsible for processes like beta decay. They are massive, electrically charged (W bosons) or neutral (Z boson), and their discovery was pivotal in confirming the electroweak theory, unifying electromagnetism and the weak force.

W And Z Bosons

W and Z bosons

fundamental particles

The weak force, or weak nuclear force, is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, responsible for processes like beta decay in atomic nuclei and neutrino interactions. It operates at a very short range, approximately 0.1% of the diameter of a typical atomic nucleus, and is mediated by the exchange of W and Z bosons.

weak force

four fundamental forces

Beta decay is a radioactive process in which an unstable atomic nucleus transforms into a more stable one by emitting a beta particle, which can be either an electron or a positron. This process results in the conversion of a neutron to a proton or vice versa, altering the atomic number of the element while conserving charge and energy.

beta decay

Massive particles

electrically charged

Neutral particles are tiny pieces of matter that don't have any electric charge, which means they don't get pushed or pulled by magnets and electricity. They are important because they make up things like neutrons in atoms and can travel through stuff without being stopped easily.

Neutral Particles

Discovery of W and Z bosons

Electroweak Theory is a unified framework that describes two of the four fundamental forces of nature, electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force, as manifestations of a single electroweak force. It was formulated in the 1960s and is a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics, contributing to our understanding of particle interactions and the Higgs mechanism.

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