Gauge boson more complicated group "SU"(3) has eight generators, corresponding to the eight gluons. The three W and Z bosons correspond (roughly) to the three generators of "SU"(2) in GWS theory. For technical reasons involving gauge invariance, gauge bosons are described mathematically by field equations for massless particles. Therefore, at a naïve theoretical level, all gauge bosons are required to be massless, and the forces that they describe are required to be long-ranged. The conflict between this idea and experimental evidence that the weak and strong interactions have a very short range requires further theoretical insight. According to the Standard Model, the
W and Z bosons some extensions beyond the standard model they do.) The notation "x" = sin"θ" is used. W and Z bosons The W and Z bosons are together known as the weak or more generally as the intermediate vector bosons. These elementary particles mediate the weak interaction; the respective symbols are , , and . The W bosons have either a positive or negative electric charge of 1 elementary charge and are each other's antiparticles. The Z boson is electrically neutral and is its own antiparticle. The three particles have a spin of 1. The W bosons have a magnetic moment, but