key term - Neutrino

Definition

A neutrino is a subatomic particle with no electric charge and an extremely small mass. It interacts very weakly with matter, making it difficult to detect.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neutrinos are produced in nuclear reactions, such as those in the sun or during radioactive decay.
2. There are three types of neutrinos: electron neutrino, muon neutrino, and tau neutrino.
3. Neutrinos obey the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and lepton number in nuclear reactions.
4. Despite their weak interaction with matter, neutrinos can travel vast distances through space without being absorbed.
5. The detection of neutrinos requires highly sensitive equipment due to their low interaction cross-section with matter.

Review Questions

Related terms

Beta Decay:

A type of radioactive decay where a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Lepton Number: A conserved quantum number representing the number of leptons minus the number of antileptons in a particle reaction.

Weak Interaction:

One of the four fundamental forces of nature; responsible for processes like beta decay where neutrinos are involved.