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Subtleties and surprises: the contribution of. beta. decay to an understanding of the weak interaction

Conference · · Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6287205
This review of nuclear beta decay with regards to an understanding of the weak interaction covers the continuous distributon of the beta spectrum, polemics between Meitner and Ellis as told by Pauli, the puzzle of the continuous distribution of the beta spectrum, Pauli's proposal of the neutrino, and Fermi's theory of beta decay. Also, a prosperous era of beta spectroscopy, some unique forbidden beta spectra, the Puppi triangle, overthrow of the law of parity in weak interactions, the genetic tree of the beta interaction, universal Fermi interaction, theoretic formulation of the universal (V-A) Fermi interaction, conserved vector current (CVC) hypothesis, weak magnetism term, and reanalysis of the /sup 12/B and /sup 12/N beta spectra are recounted. Included are quotations and some anecdotes illustrating the subtleties and surprises of beta decay development. 31 references. (JFP)
Research Organization:
Columbia Univ., New York, NY
OSTI ID:
6287205
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.; (United States) Journal Volume: 294
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English