# How to distinguish between $\pi$ neutrinos and $K$ neutrinos?

Consider the neutrinos produced by two decay channels: $$\pi^+ \rightarrow \mu^+ +\nu_\mu\,, \qquad\qquad K^+ \rightarrow \mu^+ +\nu_\mu\,.$$ with $$\pi$$ decay being 10 times more likely than $$K$$ decay.

In a real experiment(e.g. MiniBooNE), the decay from both contributions are measured. How can one differentiate between the 𝜋 neutrinos and the K neutrinos?

It seems really hard to find a starting point to tackle this problem, is it achieved by assuming that the theory behind such decays is able predict the relative peak position of each distribution?

Note: I have virtually zero background knowledge in particle physics, this question is part of my research project.

Edit: This plot is from my own simulation so there is no source for it. However, my lecturer says that the project is based on a paper predicting MiniBOONE's neutrino fluxes, with the following instructions:

• Can you link to the source for this plot? I have a question about it which is unrelated to your question here.
– rob
Jun 19 at 14:40
• Thanks! Note that we discourage screenshots of text.
– rob
Jun 19 at 15:05
• check the angular distributions...
– rfl
Jun 19 at 17:06
• @rfl The angular distribution of both types of decay are almost identical to each other and hence they overlap, I am still confused. Jun 19 at 18:17