Conservation laws: Consider the decay π⁺→ μ⁺ + γ. This decay is A) allowed. B) forbidden because conservation of energy is violated. C) forbidden because conservation of baryon number is violated. D) forbidden because conservation of mass is violated. E) forbidden because conservation of lepton numbers is violated.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay violates conservation of lepton numbers. In the initial state, there are no leptons, but in the final state, a muon (a lepton) appears without a corresponding antilepton to conserve lepton number.

Conservation Laws: Consider the Decay π+→ μ+ + γ

Conservation Laws: Consider the Decay π⁺→ μ⁺ + γ