What Is a Quark? Proton Composition & Size

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition and characteristics of quarks, particularly in relation to protons. Participants explore the nature of quarks, their sizes, masses, and the implications of these properties in the context of particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a proton is made of 2 up quarks and 1 down quark, challenging the idea that a quark could be larger than a proton.
  • There is a suggestion that the confusion may arise from mixing concepts of mass and size, with later quark generations being heavier than protons.
  • One participant proposes that quarks possess partial charges and that their masses and sizes are influenced by the Higgs boson and gravitons, indicating a complex relationship between fundamental particles.
  • Another participant states that quarks are assumed to be one-dimensional point-like particles, questioning the appropriateness of discussing their size and mass.
  • It is mentioned that the Compton wavelength of quarks can be greater than that of protons, drawing a parallel to the behavior of electrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the size and mass of quarks relative to protons, with no consensus reached on whether quarks can be considered larger than protons or the implications of their properties.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the nature of particles and the existence of the Higgs boson, which has not been definitively established. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the definitions of size and mass in the context of subatomic particles.

Eridanus1
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Is it true you have 3 quarks that make up a proton...but one quark is bigger than a proton? How come?

Can it be said that a quark is the smallest size that a sub-atomic particle can ever be broken down to? :smile:
 
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I'm not sure what r u laughing for??

A proton is made of 2 up quarks and one down(uud), and a quark isn't bigger than a proton...

A quark isn't the smallest sub atomic particle...

Here some link that might be usefull...
http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/atom_fund.html

Just click on the enxt arrow in the upper right corner of the page to proceed...
 
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You might be confusing mass with size. It's true that the later quark generations are heavier than a proton, the top quark is even as heavy as a gold atom!
 
Eridanus1 said:
Is it true you have 3 quarks that make up a proton...but one quark is bigger than a proton? How come?
Can it be said that a quark is the smallest size that a sub-atomic particle can ever be broken down to? :smile:

NO actually quark possesses the partial charges only some how the masses and sizes are being determined by the "Higg's particles" and the gravitation by the "gravitons". So, it can be predicted that eavh fundamental property is being possessed by its own corresponding fundamental PARTICLE. Somehow, their discoveries are yet running...

If anyone thinks that I'm having any misconfusion for this funda please clear me the system of particle.
 
We assume that these particles are one dimensional point like particles. So size and mass is not an appropriate word for them. And the higgs boson is still haven't been found yet. It is hypothesized that the higgs boson acts as a messenger particle to show mass.
 
Of course if quarks are lighter than protons, then Compton Length is greater. But this was not a "paradox" about quarks, it already happens with the electron at rest: its Compton Length is a lot greater than the one of a proton at rest.
 

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