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I understand that $\phi^0 \to \pi^+ \pi^- \pi^0$ is OZI suppressed.

But how about $\phi^0 \to \pi^+ \pi^-$?

Wikipedia doesn't list this decay path but $\phi^0 \to K^+ K^-$. Why? $\phi^0$ is a mixing of $u \bar u$, $d \bar d$, and $s \bar s$, so it seems okay to decay to a pair of charged pions as well.

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  • $\begingroup$ You got it spectacularly wrong about the φ composition, I won't ask how. This is the very particle and composition that actually led to the OZI rule. $\endgroup$
    – Cosmas Zachos
    Commented May 18, 2023 at 22:21
  • $\begingroup$ @CosmasZachos, I thought it's a mixing because it's one of the three particles ($\omega$, $\rho^0$, $\phi$) in the centre of vector meson nonet. The wikipedia I mentioned above says that "The quark composition of the $\phi$ meson can be thought of as a mix between ss, uu, dd state, but it is very nearly a pure ss state." So do we just ignore the possible decay paths of uu or dd? $\endgroup$
    – L L
    Commented May 18, 2023 at 22:51
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    $\begingroup$ Yes, it is very nearly a pure ssbar state. That's the whole point of the OZI rule... that's how it was discovered. Ignore WP and go to a reputable text on ω-φ mixing, for crying out loud.... $\endgroup$
    – Cosmas Zachos
    Commented May 18, 2023 at 23:30
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    $\begingroup$ See pdg.lbl.gov for all decays $\endgroup$
    – JEB
    Commented May 18, 2023 at 23:35
  • $\begingroup$ @CosmasZachos, thanks! Is there a textbook you’d like to recommend that talks about the mixing? I’m taking my first course in particle physics and can’t quite find some clear introductory texts about this $\endgroup$
    – L L
    Commented May 19, 2023 at 1:01

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