Higher Symmetries and the2+Mesons

Abstract

The two-body decay widths of the nine $J^P=2^{+}$ mesons are calculated in the framework of relativistic $\mathrm{SU}\left(6\right)\mathrm{}$. It is shown that one cannot distinguish from their decays whether the mesons should be accommodated in a 189 or 405 representation. An analysis of the masses of these mesons indicates that the 189 may be definitely ruled out. A mass formula pertinent to the 405 is derived which is fairly well satisfied and which indicates no inconsistency with placing the $2^{+}$ mesons in this representation. Conclusions about the quark-quark and quark-antiquark interactions are drawn from this assignment.