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[PAST EVENT] Physics Colloquium - Julian Heeck

February 25, 2022
4pm - 5pm
Location
Small Hall, Room 111
300 Ukrop Way
Williamsburg, VA 23185Map this location
Access & Features
  • Open to the public

Prof. Julian Heeck, University of Virginia, Title of talk: Does matter decay?

Abstract: 
Life in our universe is only possible due to the stability of matter, notably that of electrons, protons, and bound neutrons. Particle-physics experiments provide lower bounds on the lifetimes of these typically-assumed-to-be-stable particles that greatly improve on such anthropic arguments and far exceed the age of our universe itself. We will discuss the experimental signatures of decaying matter and survey if such decays are allowed or even preferred from a theoretical perspective.