What is a Preon? - Introduction to Preons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of preons, which are proposed as subcomponents of quarks and leptons in theoretical physics. Participants seek introductory resources and clarify misconceptions about preons, while also touching on related terms like prions and discussing various theoretical frameworks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests introductory online texts about preons.
  • Another participant mistakenly associates preons with biological structures, specifically mentioning prions and their relation to diseases.
  • A different participant suggests that preons are part of a more fundamental theory than the Standard Model, indicating that quarks and leptons may consist of preons, but notes that this theory might be disregarded.
  • Clarification is provided that preons are hypothetical elements of quark substructure, and a resource is suggested, including a book titled "Preons" by Kalman and D'Souza.
  • One participant expresses disappointment if the term "preon" was derived from biology rather than physics.
  • A later post mentions a section on preons in a Scientific American book and lists several researchers associated with the topic.
  • Another participant notes the variety of concepts associated with preons found in arXiv, highlighting the term's appeal in theoretical discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature and significance of preons, with multiple competing views and some confusion regarding terminology. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity and acceptance of preon theories.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect misunderstandings or conflations with other scientific terms, such as prions. The discussion includes references to various theoretical models and researchers, but lacks clarity on the current status of preon theories in the scientific community.

marlon
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What Is A Preon ?

Hey,...

Anybody got some nice introductory online texts on preons ?

thanks in advance

regards
marlon
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Preons are the biologist's or biochemist's domain. Big, heavy, complex molecular structures causing mad cow and BSE, they are. In size, I understand they stand between macromolecules and virus.
 
I thought preon's were part of an attempt of some more fundamental theory than the Standard Model. I heard the theory suggests quarks and leptons are made up of subparticles called preons, but i think the theory has been disregarded.
 
That's a prion :P

A preon is a hypothetical element of quark substructure.

Google reveals there's a big book written by Kalman and D'Souza on them called "Preons".

astro-ph/0410417 might be a good place to start coz its written for astrophysicists (i.e. non-specialists)
 
Ok, I'll shut up now.

Hopefully the biologists copied the name from the physicists and not the other way around. I would be disapointed...
 
thanks for the replys...

chris, i"ll check out the article that you gave, thanks


marlon
 
marlon said:
Hey,...

Anybody got some nice introductory online texts on preons ?

thanks in advance

regards
marlon
Just stumbled onto a section on Preons in a Sci Am book called Particles and Forces - At the Heart of the Matter, edited by R Carrigan and P. Trower. ON p213 they quote Jogesh C. Pati of the Univ of Maryland. It goes for 4 pages before turning to a Rishon model. Other names include Hidezumi Terazawa, Yoichi Chikashige, and Keiichi Akama at the Univ of Tokyo. O. Wallace Greenberg and Joseph Sucher at Univ of Marlyand are also noted.
 
A search for "preons" in the arxiv shows a lot of different concept. It is really a very tempting word, from the usual termination -on for any element or reality (of "being").
 

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