Fermi theory of beta decay

E88964

The Fermi theory of beta decay is Enrico Fermi’s pioneering quantum field theory model that explains beta decay as a weak interaction process mediated by a four-fermion contact interaction, laying the groundwork for modern weak interaction theory.

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Statements (44)

Predicate Object
instanceOf effective field theory
physical theory
quantum field theory
theory of weak interaction
appliesTo neutron beta decay
nuclear beta decay
approximates low-energy limit of weak interaction
assumes energy and momentum conservation
lepton number conservation
neutrino emission in beta decay
point-like weak interaction
breaksDownAt high energies
describes beta decay
developer Enrico Fermi
explains continuous beta spectrum
existence of neutrino in beta decay
field nuclear physics
particle physics
theoretical physics
framework quantum field theory
historicalPrecursorOf Standard Model weak interaction
electroweak theory
historicalSignificance first quantitative theory of beta decay
foundation of modern weak interaction theory
inspired development of current–current weak interaction models
interactionForm contact interaction
interactionRange short-range
interactionType four-fermion interaction
weak interaction
introducesConcept Fermi coupling constant
linked to: Fermi constant
LagrangianContains four-fermion current–current term
laterExtendedTo V–A theory
originallyAssumed vector current
predicts beta decay rate
electron energy spectrum in beta decay
selection rules for beta decay
relatedTo Fermi constant
Gamow–Teller theory
V–A theory of weak interaction
symbolOfCoupling G_F
uses Dirac fields for nucleons and leptons
validAt energies much lower than W boson mass
yearProposed 1933
yearPublished 1934

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Referenced by (12)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Enrico Fermi knownFor Fermi theory of beta decay
Enrico Fermi notableFor Fermi theory of beta decay
subject linked to: Fermi
Fermi theory of beta decay relatedTo V–A theory of weak interaction
linked to: Fermi theory of beta decay
Fermi constant usedIn Fermi theory of beta decay
Fermi constant appearsIn low-energy effective weak interaction Lagrangian
linked to: Fermi theory of beta decay
Fermi constant appearsIn Fermi’s beta decay Hamiltonian
linked to: Fermi theory of beta decay
neutrino hypothesis formalizedIn Fermi theory of beta decay
neutrino hypothesis inspiredDevelopmentOf Fermi’s beta decay theory
linked to: Fermi theory of beta decay
V–A theory relatedTo Fermi theory of beta decay
Gamow–Teller theory refines Fermi theory of beta decay
Gamow–Teller theory basedOn Fermi’s four-fermion interaction
linked to: Fermi theory of beta decay
Gamow–Teller theory relatedTo V–A theory of weak interactions
linked to: Fermi theory of beta decay