Bosons and Mesons - Fundamental or Compound?

In summary, the Standard Model classifies Bosons and Fermions as fundamental particles, but they can also exist as composite particles. Bosons have integer spin and include photons, gluons, weak force carriers, and gravitons. They can also be found in composite particles such as mesons. Fermions have half-integer spin and include leptons and quarks. They can also be found in composite particles such as baryons. The classification of particles as bosons or fermions depends on their spin and composition, and can even apply to atoms depending on the number of neutrons present.
  • #1
JLampton
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The Standard Model defines Bosons, along with Fermions, as Fundamental Particles.

At the same time, Mesons, which include Bosons, are supposed to be a compound made up of a quark and an anti-quark.

So, which is it? Is a Boson a fundamental particle or a compound (ie.Hadron)?
 
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  • #2
Bosons and Fermions can be either fundamental or composite. The fundamental fermions are leptons and quarks. The fundamental bosons are photons, gluons, weak force carriers (W and Z), and gravitons (theoretical).
Bosons have integer spin, fermions have half-integer spins. For example mesons (quark + anti-quark) are bosons, while baryons (3 quarks) are fermions. Atoms may be bosons or fermions, depending on whether the number of neutrons is even (bosons) or odd (fermions).
 

1. What are bosons and mesons?

Bosons and mesons are particles that make up the fundamental building blocks of matter. They are both subatomic particles, meaning they are smaller than an atom. Bosons are particles that carry forces, such as the electromagnetic force, while mesons are particles made up of quarks that interact with strong nuclear forces.

2. Are bosons and mesons fundamental particles?

Bosons and mesons are not considered fundamental particles because they are made up of even smaller particles called quarks. However, they are still important in understanding the structure and behavior of matter.

3. How are bosons and mesons different?

The main difference between bosons and mesons is their properties and behavior. Bosons have integer spin and can occupy the same space, while mesons have half-integer spin and cannot occupy the same space. Additionally, bosons carry forces while mesons are made up of quarks and interact with strong nuclear forces.

4. Can bosons and mesons be created or destroyed?

Bosons and mesons can be created and destroyed through various processes, such as particle collisions in accelerators. However, the total number of bosons and mesons in a system remains constant according to the law of conservation of energy.

5. Why are bosons and mesons important in particle physics?

Bosons and mesons are important in particle physics because they help us understand the fundamental forces and interactions that govern the behavior of matter. They also play a crucial role in the Standard Model of particle physics, which describes the fundamental particles and their interactions.

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