What is the true relationship between the charges of fundamental particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of electric charge in fundamental particles, specifically electrons and quarks. It explores the validity of fractional charges assigned to quarks and their experimental support, as well as the implications for theoretical frameworks like the Standard Model and string theory.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the fractional charges of quarks (1/3 and 2/3) are merely theoretical constructs without experimental proof, suggesting they may be "imaginary numbers."
  • Another participant references experimental results from deep inelastic scattering that support the fractional charges of quarks, indicating a potential agreement between theory and experiment.
  • A participant asserts that the charge composition of protons and neutrons necessitates the specific charges of 2/3 for up quarks and -1/3 for down quarks, framing it as a linear algebra problem.
  • A later reply expresses a desire to explore a new mathematical approach to quark classification that links mass and charge, indicating an interest in theoretical development beyond established models.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and validity of quark charges, with some supporting their theoretical basis through experimental evidence while others remain skeptical about their foundational justification. The discussion does not reach a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in experimental verification of quark charges and the dependence on theoretical frameworks, suggesting that the discussion is influenced by unresolved mathematical and conceptual issues.

elas
Fundamental particles, electron and quarks; have charges in single units or thirds of a single unit.
Am I correct in believing that these are imaginary numbers and that there is no experimental proof that a 1/3 quark charge is actually 1/3 of the charge of an electron.

I ask this question because my books state that quarks were given there charge originally to fit in with the theory of sub-atomic particles, and this seems to have been accepted because it is not possible to conduct experiments to show the true relationship.
 
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Thanks Janitor, clearly Iwas mistaken.
 
Given the makeup of protons (2 up + 1 down) and neutrons (1 up and 2 down), their charges wouldn't work unless the charges were exactly 2/3 (up) and -1/3 (down). It is a simple linear algebra problem (2 eq. in 2 unknown).
 
It is a simple linear algebra problem (2 eq. in 2 unknown).

Accept that you are correct and thanks for your reply.
My interest lies in doing what neither the Standard Model or string theory can do, that is to explain the underlying cause; that debate has to be conducted in the madhouse (Theory Developement forum).
I am entering a new subject in that forum that I hope you will visit because it refers to a new (mathematical) way of listing quarks that is totally different from current practice in that it links mass and charge together.

Now I have the required answer, I will close this forum with thanks to those who replied, regards, elas.
 

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