Lepton Number Conservation
Lepton number conservation is a principle in particle physics stating that the total lepton number in a closed system remains constant during a reaction. Leptons are a type of elementary particle, which includes electrons, muons, and neutrinos. Each lepton carries a lepton number of +1, while their antiparticles, such as positrons and antineutrinos, carry a lepton number of -1.
In any particle interaction, the sum of lepton numbers before the reaction must equal the sum after the reaction. This conservation law helps physicists understand and predict the outcomes of various processes, including beta decay and other weak interactions, ensuring that lepton numbers are balanced throughout.