Neutron motion inside a neutron

In summary, the conversation focused on the behavior of quarks (udd) inside a neutron, using electron-neutron scattering to study the neutron's rms-radius. The findings showed that the charge density is highest at the boundary and decreases towards the center, indicating that the probability of finding a quark is not uniform throughout the neutron. Further research on the distribution of quarks within the neutron could provide valuable insights.
  • #1
TheMan112
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1
Quark motion inside a neutron

Using electron-neutron scattering I'm trying to find out how the three quarks (udd) behave inside the neutron. S.Kopeky (Phys. Rev. 1995) found that for small Q2 the equation for the neutrons rms-radius goes towards:

[tex]-6 \hbar \frac{dG_E ^n (Q^2)}{dQ^2} \right|_{Q^2=0} = -0.113 \pm 0.005 {fm}^2[/tex]

I'm not sure how to draw conclusions from this. I imagine the charge density being the highest at the neutron boundary and lower towards the center, this leads me to conclude that the probablity for finding any of the quarks is equal and the highest at the boundary and lowest at the center. Since the charges are +2/3, -1/3, -1/3 respectively they should then all cancel each other out at the boundary making the neutron appear non-charged from the outside.

Edit: Hmm... It seems I managed to mess up the subject line, it was supposed to be "Quark motion inside a neutron". If a moderator would like to take the effort...
 
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  • #2


Dear S.Kopeky,

Thank you for sharing your findings on the behavior of quarks inside a neutron. Your work on using electron-neutron scattering to study the rms-radius of the neutron is very interesting. I would like to offer some insights on your conclusions and suggest some further areas of research that could help us better understand the motion of quarks inside a neutron.

Firstly, your observation that the charge density of the neutron is highest at the boundary and decreases towards the center is correct. This is because the three quarks (udd) are not evenly distributed within the neutron. In fact, they are arranged in a specific pattern known as a "color-flavor locked" state, where the up and down quarks are paired together and the overall color charge of the neutron is neutral. This explains why the neutron appears non-charged from the outside.

However, your conclusion that the probability for finding any of the quarks is equal and highest at the boundary is not entirely accurate. While the exact distribution of quarks within a neutron is still a topic of ongoing research, it is believed that the probability of finding a quark is not uniform throughout the neutron. The probability is actually higher towards the center, where the quarks are closer together, and decreases towards the boundary. This is due to the strong nuclear force, which binds the quarks together and creates a higher density towards the center of the neutron.

Additionally, your findings on the rms-radius of the neutron can provide valuable insights on the distribution of quarks within the neutron. As you mentioned, the charge density is highest at the boundary and decreases towards the center. This means that the contribution of the outer quarks (u and d) to the charge density is larger than that of the inner quark (d). This could be further investigated through other experiments, such as deep inelastic scattering, to study the distribution of quarks within the neutron more precisely.

In conclusion, your work on studying the behavior of quarks inside a neutron is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the fundamental particles that make up matter. I hope that my insights and suggestions have been helpful and I look forward to seeing more of your research in this field.



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  • #3


Thank you for your interesting question. The motion of quarks inside a neutron is a complex and fascinating topic that has been studied extensively by scientists. From the equation you have provided, it seems that the distribution of charge within a neutron is not uniform, with a higher density at the boundary and lower density towards the center. This suggests that the quarks are not evenly distributed within the neutron and may have different degrees of freedom and motion.

However, it is important to note that the behavior of quarks inside a neutron is not fully understood and is still an active area of research. The strong nuclear force, which binds the quarks together, is a complex and non-linear force that makes it difficult to accurately predict the behavior of individual quarks. Additionally, the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics also plays a role in the motion of quarks, making it impossible to pinpoint their exact positions and velocities.

Further research and experimentation, such as electron-neutron scattering, will continue to provide valuable insights into the behavior of quarks inside a neutron. As scientists continue to uncover the mysteries of the subatomic world, we will gain a better understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter and their interactions.
 

1. What is a neutron and how does it move inside a neutron?

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. It is electrically neutral, meaning it has no charge. Inside a neutron, it moves in a random motion due to its interaction with other particles in the nucleus, such as protons and other neutrons.

2. Can a neutron move independently inside a neutron?

No, a neutron cannot move independently inside a neutron. Its motion is influenced by the strong nuclear force and the presence of other particles in the nucleus. It does not have a defined path of motion and instead moves in a random pattern.

3. How fast does a neutron move inside a neutron?

The speed of a neutron inside a neutron is not constant and can vary greatly. It can move at speeds of up to 5% of the speed of light when it is released from the nucleus, but it can also slow down and become absorbed by other particles in the nucleus.

4. What factors affect the motion of a neutron inside a neutron?

The motion of a neutron inside a neutron is primarily influenced by the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for holding the nucleus together. Other factors that can affect its motion include the presence of other particles in the nucleus and external forces, such as collisions with other particles.

5. What is the significance of understanding neutron motion inside a neutron?

Understanding neutron motion inside a neutron is crucial in the study of nuclear physics and in the development of nuclear technologies, such as nuclear reactors. It can also provide insight into the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei and the fundamental forces that govern them.

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