Are all fundamental particles singular?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of fundamental particles, specifically whether they can possess a finite radius or internal structure. Participants explore concepts related to quantum theory, particle physics, and theoretical models, including the idea of particles like Planck black holes and the "fat graviton" theory.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the definition of a fundamental particle, suggesting it refers to particles without apparent internal structure, such as quarks and electrons.
  • Others argue that protons and neutrons have finite charge radii, implying some level of internal structure.
  • A viewpoint is presented that quantum theory (QT) treats particles as wavy perturbations in a field, suggesting they do not have finite bounds.
  • There are suggestions that quarks and electrons might be composed of smaller, undetectable particles, although this idea lacks support from current QT predictions.
  • Some participants mention the "fat graviton" theory as a potential exception to the notion of singular fundamental particles, while others seek references for this theory.
  • Discussions include the limitations of quark compositeness theories and the idea that quarks may not be composite but rather related to supersymmetry (SUSY).
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of QT's probabilistic nature on the concept of discrete, finite particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of fundamental particles, with no consensus reached on whether they can have finite radii or internal structure. Multiple competing models and interpretations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about particle structure and properties depend on specific interpretations of quantum theory and particle physics, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in theoretical physics without resolving the underlying questions.

Loren Booda
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Is there a fundamental particle (like a Planck black hole) that has a finite radius?
 
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Except for the "fat graviton" theory, none.
 
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by a fundamental particle, but protons and neutrons have finite charge radii (Hofstadter's experiments at Stanford)
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by a fundamental particle

Particles without any apparent internal structure. Quarks, electrons, etc..
 
Particles without any apparent internal structure. Quarks, electrons, etc

This the QT view, particle physics give figures for the electron radius and atomic nuclei radii. Therefore they must have internal structure, its the old take your choice atitude.
 
jhmar said:
Particles without any apparent internal structure. Quarks, electrons, etc

This the QT view, particle physics give figures for the electron radius and atomic nuclei radii. Therefore they must have internal structure, its the old take your choice atitude.

Maybe Quarks and Electrons are built from particles to small to be detected yet, sort of of like a planet compare to a single Atom is size or is it finally over?
 
Maybe Quarks and Electrons are built from particles to small to be detected yet, sort of of like a planet compare to a single Atom is size or is it finally over?

As far as I know no part of QT predicts smaller particles. There have been attempts to build a 'Single Elementary Particle Theory' using QT (do a google search) but, so far, none have gained general acceptance.
 
Loren Booda said:
Is there a fundamental particle (like a Planck black hole) that has a finite radius?

If there was, it would be know as a Quantum Mono Wave?
 
Maybe Quarks and Electrons are built from particles to small to be detected yet, sort of of like a planet compare to a single Atom is size or is it finally over?

As far as I know no part of QT predicts smaller particles. There have been attempts to build a 'Single Elementary Particle Theory' using QT (do a google search) but, so far, none have gained general acceptance.
 
  • #10
arivero

Except for the "fat graviton" theory, none.

Can you please give a reference to this theory?
 
  • #11
QT treats particles as wavy perturbations in a field of said particles, therefore no finite bounds, think fuzzy. Since QT is a nondeterministic, probablistic theory it could not allow for discrete, finite particles. The days are gone where particles were little round, hard balls. sigh

Atoms are made of parts that don't add up to the mass of the atom, quarks' mass doesn't add up to the particles' mass. Maybe it's like peeling an onion, at the final layer it still only onion, with mass it's only energy at the bottom.
 
  • #12
jhmar, google for it. I think that Zee was a defender of this possibility, and Smolin refers to it somewhere. Basically a delocalised graviton instead of extra dimensions.
 
  • #13
As for quark compositeness (preon theory) it is very limited because of a principle related to anomalous currents. But some work is done from time to time. My own position is that quarks are not composites but SUSY to composites... of quarks.
 
  • #14
jhmar, google for it

On another subject, I had just given the same advice! I feel justly chastised,
jhmar
 
  • #15
well. the point is that "fat graviton", with quotes, is a search narrow enough to get links of quality in the first page of results, and that my own acquitance with this theory is rather poor. And I suggested "Zee" and "Smolin" as additional keywords to narrow the search.
 
Last edited:
  • #16
kublai said:
QT treats particles as wavy perturbations in a field of said particles, therefore no finite bounds, think fuzzy. Since QT is a nondeterministic, probablistic theory it could not allow for discrete, finite particles. The days are gone where particles were little round, hard balls. sigh

What do you mean by that? :confused:


Daniel.
 

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