What is the Difference Between W and Z Bosons?

The main differences between W and Z bosons are their electric charge, mass, and their roles in weak interactions. Here is a summary of their differences:

• Electric Charge: W bosons have an electric charge, with the W+ boson having a positive charge and the W- boson having a negative charge. On the other hand, Z bosons have no electric charge.
• Mass: W bosons have a mass of about 80 GeV/c², while the Z boson has a mass of about 90 GeV/c².
• Weak Interactions: W bosons are involved in neutrino absorption and emission processes, causing nuclear transmutation. They are verified mediators of these processes. Z bosons, being electrically neutral, do not participate in these processes.

In summary, W bosons have a charge and are involved in weak interactions related to neutrino absorption and emission, while Z bosons are electrically neutral and do not participate in these processes. Both W and Z bosons are vector bosons that mediate the weak interaction, but they have distinct properties and roles.

Comparative Table: W vs Z Bosons

The W and Z bosons are vector bosons that play a crucial role in particle physics. They are collectively known as weak bosons or intermediate vector bosons. Here is a table summarizing the differences between W and Z bosons:

The W bosons have a mass of about 80 GeV/c², while the Z boson has a mass of about 90 GeV/c². The W+ boson has a positive electric charge, the W- boson has a negative electric charge, and the Z boson has no electric charge. The W bosons have a magnetic moment, but the Z boson does not. All three of these particles have a spin of 1 and are very short-lived, with a half-life of about 3×10⁻²⁵ s.