Stability in the family of baryons

In summary, the stability of protons is due to baryon number conservation, as it is the lightest particle with a non-zero baryon number. Neutrons, on the other hand, have an extremely long lifetime due to their approximate degeneracy with protons, which must be included in their decay products in order to conserve baryon number. This results in a very small phase space for decay, making neutrons more stable than other baryons.
  • #1
DragonPetter
830
1
Of all the baryons, why are protons the only known stable combination of quarks?
Why are neutrons more stable by more than billions of times longer than the rest of the unstable baryons? If it is just their combination of quantum numbers, then, why do those combinations work out to being stable?
 
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  • #2
Baryon number conservation is the reason for proton stability. It is the lightest particle with non zero baryon number and thus baryon number conservation ensures its stability.
The extremley long lifetime of the neutron is due the approximate degeneracy between it and and the proton, which has to be included in its decay products (again , due to baryon number conservation). This leaves very small phase space for the decay products.
 
  • #3
Thank you for the reply. I am reading about number conservation on the hyperphysics site now.
 

1. What are baryons?

Baryons are a type of subatomic particle that are composed of three quarks. Examples of baryons include protons and neutrons.

2. How does stability in the family of baryons affect the structure of matter?

The stability of baryons is crucial for the structure of matter because they make up the building blocks of atoms. Without stable baryons, atoms would not be able to exist and form the basis of all matter.

3. What factors contribute to the stability of baryons?

The stability of baryons is influenced by the strong nuclear force, which binds the quarks together, as well as the relative masses of the quarks and the energy released during the formation of the baryon.

4. How do scientists study stability in the family of baryons?

Scientists study the stability of baryons by observing their decay patterns and measuring their lifetimes. They also use mathematical models and simulations to predict the stability of different baryons.

5. Why is understanding stability in the family of baryons important for particle physics?

Understanding the stability of baryons is important for particle physics because it helps us understand the fundamental forces and interactions that govern the behavior of matter. It also provides insights into the origins and evolution of the universe.

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