Boson

Key Stage 5

Meaning

Bosons are a group of force mediating subatomic particles or 'messenger particles' for the 4 fundamental interactions which can exist in the same place at the same time.

NB: This definition is loose and inaccurate, but sufficient at this stage. It is more accurate to state that they are 'integer spin' and able to have the same 'quantum state' as one another.

About Bosons

Bosons include:

• Photon - A fundamental particle, without mass, and which mediates the electromagnetic interaction over an infinite range.
• W-boson - A type of boson, with mass, which carries charge and mediates the weak nuclear interaction over distances smaller than the diameter of a proton.
• Z-boson - A type of boson, with mass, which carries no charge and mediates the weak nuclear interaction over distances smaller than the diameter of a proton.