The weak interaction, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, is responsible for processes like beta decay and neutrino interactions, playing a crucial role in nuclear fusion and stellar phenomena. It is mediated by the exchange of W and Z bosons and is unique in its ability to change the flavor of quarks, thus affecting the composition of atomic nuclei and the universe's matter-antimatter asymmetry.

Weak Interaction

weak interaction

fundamental forces of nature

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

neutrino interactions

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy due to the conversion of mass into energy as described by Einstein's equation, E=mc². It is the same reaction that powers the sun and stars, and holds the potential for providing a nearly limitless, clean energy source on Earth if technological and material challenges can be overcome.

nuclear fusion

stellar phenomena

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.

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