Chapter 32, Problem 7Q

To determine

Which of four interaction (strong, electromagnetic, weak, gravitational)does an electron take in? A neutrino? A proton?

Answer to Problem 7Q

Solution:

Electron takes part in electromagnetic interaction and weak interaction.

Explanation of Solution

Electron is a negatively charged particle and electromagnetic interaction involves charged particle. Hence, electron takes part in electromagnetic interaction.

A neutrino is a product in strong interaction as well as beta decay which is weak interaction, so neutrino takes part in strong and weak interaction.

Mass of neutrino is very negligible, so it doesn’t take part in gravitational interaction.

Proton decays to its respective neutron through positive beta decay which involves in weak interaction conserving a quark number. Hence, proton also takes part in weak interaction.