The exchange particles responsible for weak interactions are

Options

A. Gluons
B. `pi`-mesons
C. Photons
D. W and Z bosons

Answer

To answer the question regarding the exchange particles responsible for weak interactions, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Weak Interactions**:
Weak interactions are one of the four fundamental forces in nature, primarily responsible for processes such as beta decay in nuclear reactions.

2. **Identifying Exchange Particles**:
The particles that mediate weak interactions are known as exchange particles. For weak interactions, these particles are specifically the W and Z bosons.

3. **Defining W and Z Bosons**:
- **W Bosons**: There are two types of W bosons, W+ and W-, which are responsible for the charged current interactions, such as the interaction between electrons and neutrinos.
- **Z Boson**: The Z boson mediates neutral current interactions, which do not involve a change in charge.

4. **Intermediate Vector Bosons**:
The W and Z bosons are collectively referred to as intermediate vector bosons. This term emphasizes their role in mediating weak force interactions.

5. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the exchange particles responsible for weak interactions are the W and Z bosons.

### Final Answer:
The exchange particles responsible for weak interactions are the W and Z bosons.

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