A reader asks: No classical electroweak theory?

February 2010, page 10

Here is a question I have been pondering for some time. Is there a fundamental reason why there is no classical electroweak theory? Is there a factor of ℏ hidden in the definition of the weak currents, for example? Of course, one might  ask why anyone would consider looking for a classical theory; the standard  model seems to provide whatever theoretical structure is needed. My answer is  that most of the machinery that provides the foundation for physics research  and engineering is based on classical electromagnetic theory. It would be  difficult, for example, to design an efficient electric motor if the only  theory available were quantum electrodynamics. A classical theory of the  electroweak interaction might provide similar practical insight.

Of course, the coupling constant is small, and the weak currents and fields are  largely confined to the nucleus by the mass of the intermediate vector bosons.  However, if the coupling between the weak and electromagnetic currents does not  vanish in the classical limit, then the possibility exists of observable  macroscopic effects, particularly if some sort of collective behavior can be  exploited. The speculative possibilities are intriguing: electromagnetic  control or initiation of weak interactions, electroweak generation of electric  currents for power, and so on.

Is there a possible lacuna in our current understanding of the electroweak  interaction? I would be interested in knowing what the experts have to say  about this.

James McEnnan

(jmcennan@mailaps.org)

Palm Harbor, Florida

A reader asks: No classical electroweak theory?

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