Neutrino oscillation theory
Neutrino oscillation is a phenomenon where neutrinos—tiny, nearly massless particles—change from one type (or "flavor") to another as they travel. Scientists discovered this when they observed fewer neutrinos from the sun than expected. This surprising result suggested that neutrinos are not static; instead, they can mix and transform among three flavors: electron, muon, and tau neutrinos. This behavior implies that neutrinos have mass, challenging earlier ideas in physics. Understanding neutrino oscillations helps researchers explore fundamental questions about the universe, including its origins and the nature of matter.
Additional Insights
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Neutrino oscillation theory describes how neutrinos, tiny particles that are mostly invisible, can change from one type to another as they travel through space. There are three types, or "flavors," of neutrinos: electron, muon, and tau. When neutrinos are created, they can start as one flavor but mix and transform into different flavors over time, similar to a wave changing shape. This phenomenon suggests that neutrinos have mass, which was surprising because they were once thought to be massless. Neutrino oscillation has important implications for our understanding of particle physics and the universe.