What is the role of W and Z bosons in particle physics?

The W and Z bosons are responsible for the weak nuclear force in particle physics.

The weak nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces in nature, alongside gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong nuclear force. It is responsible for the decay of particles and the fusion of hydrogen in stars. The W and Z bosons are the force carriers of the weak nuclear force, allowing particles to interact through it.

The W boson comes in two varieties, W+ and W-, which are responsible for the decay of particles such as the neutron and muon. The Z boson, on the other hand, is responsible for the neutral current interaction, which occurs when a particle remains unchanged after interacting with another particle through the weak nuclear force.

The discovery of the W and Z bosons was a major breakthrough in particle physics, as it provided evidence for the existence of the weak nuclear force and the unification of the electromagnetic and weak forces. Their discovery also led to the development of the electroweak theory, which describes the unification of these two forces.

In summary, the W and Z bosons play a crucial role in particle physics by mediating the weak nuclear force, which is responsible for the decay and fusion of particles. Their discovery has led to a better understanding of the fundamental forces of nature and the development of the electroweak theory.