Can Photons Pass Through Protons or Do They Always Collide?

In summary, the proposed scenario involves firing photons at a proton held in place by a magnetic field to measure if they collide. It is unclear if the photon could fly through the proton or if it would have to collide with something within its diameter. It is speculated that the energy and composition of the proton could influence the photon and potentially change its frequency or even create a new photon.
  • #1
cbd1
123
1
This is the proposed scenario:

We have an individual proton held in place by a contrived magnetic field which remains constant. Now, we fire photons and that spot where the proton is forced by the field and measure where the photon ends up to see if it collided with the proton. (Assuming we had such precision). The question is, could the photon fly through the proton? Could the photon go between the quarks? Or would it have to collide with something (proton/quark/gluon) so long as it flew within the diameter of the proton?
 
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  • #2
My best guess would be that it would not be a collision or going right through. The wave of the photon would be influenced by the energy and the parts that make up the the proton. They would change each other. The 'same' photon may come though, or, its interaction with the system of the proton may absorb its energy partially or wholely and either leave the photon a lower frequency or perhaps even spawn another photon althogether as a part of its interraction.
 

1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light that has no mass and carries energy. It is the basic unit of electromagnetic radiation and is responsible for all forms of light, including visible light, radio waves, and x-rays.

2. What is a baryon?

A baryon is a type of subatomic particle that is composed of three quarks. Examples of baryons include protons and neutrons, which make up the nucleus of an atom.

3. How does a photon fly through a baryon?

A photon interacts with a baryon through the electromagnetic force. As the photon approaches the baryon, it can be absorbed, reflected, or scattered depending on the energy and wavelength of the photon, as well as the composition of the baryon.

4. What happens when a photon flies through a baryon?

The interaction between a photon and a baryon can result in a variety of outcomes. If the photon is absorbed, it can increase the energy of the baryon and cause it to emit another photon. If the photon is scattered or reflected, it can change direction and/or energy, but will not be absorbed by the baryon.

5. Why is it important to study photon interactions with baryons?

Understanding how photons interact with baryons is crucial in many fields of science, including particle physics, astrophysics, and material science. This knowledge can help us develop new technologies, study the composition of stars and galaxies, and deepen our understanding of the fundamental forces of nature.

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