What are the main modes of particle conversion?

Decay processes refer to the transformations in which an unstable particle spontaneously changes into other particles. These processes usually involve one initial particle and two or more final particles. The main types of decays are: 1.1. Radioactive decay: This is the process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of alpha (\(\alpha\)), beta (\(\beta\)), or gamma (\(\gamma\)) particles. For example, \(\beta\)-decay occurs when a neutron turns into a proton, with the emission of an electron and an electron antineutrino. 1.2. Weak decay: These decays involve the weak nuclear force, which causes the transformation of quarks and leptons. An example of weak decay is the decay of a muon into an electron, a muon neutrino, and an electron antineutrino. 1.3. Strong decay: Decays involving the strong nuclear force usually result in the formation of more stable hadrons. An example of strong decay is the decay of a \(\Delta^{+}\) particle (consisting of two up quarks and one down quark) into a proton and a pion.

Collision processes involve the interaction of two or more particles, resulting in new particles being produced. The main types of collision processes are: 2.1. Elastic collisions: In these collisions, the total kinetic energy of the particles is conserved, and no new particles are created. An example of an elastic collision is the scattering of an electron by a proton. 2.2. Inelastic collisions: In these collisions, the total kinetic energy is not conserved, and new particles can be created. An example of an inelastic collision is electron-positron annihilation, in which an electron and its antiparticle (the positron) collide and produce one or more photons. 2.3. High-energy collisions: These collisions involve particles with very high energies, usually at particle accelerators. Such collisions can result in the creation of new particles and the conversion of energy into mass. An example of a high-energy collision is the production of Higgs bosons at the Large Hadron Collider. In conclusion, the main modes of particle conversion are decay processes, including radioactive decay, weak decay, and strong decay, and collision processes, such as elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, and high-energy collisions. Each of these processes plays a significant role in the transformation and interaction of particles in the universe.