Tag

cross section

2 articles tagged with cross section.


explained · · 4 min read

Why are neutrinos so hard to detect?

Neutrinos interact only via the weak nuclear force, which is extraordinarily feeble at low energies. An average neutrino could pass through a light-year of solid lead before being stopped — so we need very large detectors and a lot of patience.

explained · · 4 min read

How do neutrinos interact with matter?

Neutrinos interact only through the weak nuclear force, via exchange of W or Z bosons with nuclei or electrons. These interactions are extremely rare — most neutrinos pass through matter unimpeded — but when they do happen, the secondary particles let us detect them.