Were in the neutron is the electron?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of particles within a neutron, specifically questioning the role and position of electrons and the processes involving W- particles. It touches on theoretical concepts in particle physics, decay processes, and interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the electron might be located in the middle of the neutron, while others challenge this idea, suggesting a more complex interaction involving quarks.
  • One participant describes the process by which a down quark emits a W- particle, which then decays into an electron and an anti-neutrino, but does not provide a detailed explanation of this decay process.
  • Another participant notes that the decay of the W- particle is based on mass/energy considerations and conservation laws, but acknowledges that the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain.
  • There is a suggestion that classical depictions of particles should be avoided in favor of a quantum perspective, which treats particles as entities that interact in mathematically defined ways.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the lack of definitive answers regarding the decay of the neutron and the nature of charge, indicating that these remain open questions in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the position of the electron within the neutron or the mechanisms of particle decay. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current understanding, particularly regarding the explanations of particle decay and the nature of charge, which are not fully resolved within the context of the conversation.

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Perhaps the proton is a spheare and the electron is a dot!

Is the electron in the middle of the neutron?
 
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No; you have a swarm of quarks, at least three (u, d, d). Then a quark d emits a W- particle, turning himself into a quark u. The W- can not survive because has not enough energy, so it desintegrates into an electron plus a (anti-)neutrino.
 
is there any explanation of how the W- particle disintegrates into an electron and electronantineutrino?

Gary
 
because it can.
 
IE there is not explication, just experimental input we translate into some mathematical terms in the standard model.

Now, a composite theory for the force bosons, such as W, should predict a specific kind of distribution of spin, momenta and energy when the particle desintegrates or scatters. I guess most possibilities are already ruled out.
 
Perhaps the proton is a spheare and the electron is a dot!
Purge yourselves of such classical depictions. As far as quantum theory is concerned, particles et al are simply entities/phenomena, that interact in given, mathematically defined, ways. They do not correspond to our billiard ball experiences.
 
Originally posted by garytse86
is there any explanation of how the W- particle disintegrates into an electron and electronantineutrino?
Gary

Well, the "simplest" explanation would be that these are the most likely particles which it can decay into, based on mass/energy considerations, charge conservation, spin conservation, lepton/baryon number, etc...

In a nutshell, this is what the electroweak gauge theory will tell you. I suppose this is more of a "why" explanation. As for the "how" -- ask yourself "how" the wavefunction knows to collapse to a particular eigenstate... (hint: no one knows!).
 
this is really annoying because the physics book says the neutron does decay because it does, so no answer to "why" and "how" really... just like the question: what is charge?

Gary
 

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