Particle Interactions

Question 1

Electromagnetic Force

Answer 1

When two particles approach they attract or repel based on charge, because they exchange a virtual photon and the momentum changes

Question 2

Weak Force

Answer 2

• Causes Beta -/+ decay

- Weaker than the strong force or it would effect stable nuclei

Question 3

What happens when a neutrino interacts with a neutron

Answer 3

Changes the neutron to a proton and releases a beta - particle (Uses W- boson as exchange particle)

Question 4

What happens when a antineutrino interacts with a proton

Answer 4

Changes the proton to a neutron and releases a beta + particle (Uses W+ boson as exchange particle)

Question 5

Electron Capture

Answer 5

Protons in proton rich nuclei become neutrons through acting with the weak force with an inner shell electron from outside the nucleus. W+ Boson changes the electron into a neutrino .
The same could happen when protons and electrons (with sufficient energy) colliding at high speeds with a W- Boson exchange

Question 6

Force Carriers

Answer 6

The photon and W boson are known as force carriers as they are exchanged when the EM force and weak force act respectively