In a modern neutrino detector, neutrinos
A) are detected directly by photomultipliers that emit an electrical signal when struck by a neutrino.
B) strike water molecules, converting them into molecules of heavy water that then sink to the bottom of the tank.
C) cause reactions that emit Cherenkov radiation that is then detected with photomultipliers.
D) that have electric charge are focused by a series of magnets to produce an intense beam that can be detected more easily by conventional detectors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neutrinos are electrically neutral particles, so they cannot be directly detected by photomultipliers or focused by magnets. They also do not convert water molecules into heavy water. Instead, when neutrinos interact with matter, such as water, in a detector, they can produce charged particles that move faster than the speed of light in that medium, emitting Cherenkov radiation. This radiation is then detected by photomultipliers, allowing scientists to infer the presence of neutrinos.

In a Modern Neutrino Detector, Neutrinos