On the Momentum Distribution of the Decay Electrons from Negative Mesons

Abstract

The momentum distribution of decay electrons from negative mesons bound in $K$-orbits is calculated assuming a two-particle disintegration of the meson into an electron and a neutrino or neutretto. The resultant momentum distribution has a spread $\cong \frac{Z}{137p_e^{}{}_{}{}^{\mathrm{}\left(0\right)\mathrm{}}}$, where $p_e^{}{}_{}{}^{\mathrm{}\left(0\right)\mathrm{}}$ is the momentum of the decay electron from a free and stationary meson. The effect of the meson's binding on its mean life for decay is also considered and a small decrease in the mean life, $\cong {\left(\frac{Z}{137}\right)}^2\times 100$ percent, is found.