Charge Independence Theory of<i>V</i>Particles

Abstract

Based on the charge independence hypothesis the properties of V particles are theoretically investigated. It is found that the curious behaviours of these unstable particles are most simply interpreted in terms of the η-charge conservation law which directly results from the C.I. hypothesis and suitable isotopic spin assignments to these particles. The topics which are discussed in this paper are (a) the isotopic spin assignments to V particles, (b) the concept of the η-charge, (c) the η-charge conservation law which is to incorporate with the even-odd rule, the so-called “cascade” decay of some hyperons, and the positive excess of long-lived K particles, (d) the interpretation of heavy nuclear fragments,(e) the possible models of τ-mesons.