Griffiths Introduction to Elementary Particles · Problem 1.7
Elementary Particle Dynamics — David J. Griffiths
Physics — QFT · baryon-decuplet-decay-modes
Problem
(a) Members of the baryon decuplet typically decay after 10−23 sec into a lighter baryon (from the baryon octet) and a meson (from the pseudo-scalar meson octet). Thus, for example, Δ++→p++π+. List all decay modes of this form for the Δ−, Σ∗+, and Ξ∗−. Remember that these decays must conserve charge and strangeness (they are strong interactions).
(b) In any decay, there must be sufficient mass in the original particle to cover the masses of the decay products. (There may be more than enough; the extra will be ``soaked up'' in the form of kinetic energy in the final state.) Check each of the decays you proposed in part (a) to see which ones meet this criterion. The others are kinematically forbidden.