Ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe?

In summary, the current hypothesis about the quantities of matter particles created suggests that the universe has a net charge of approximately zero and a ratio of 7 protons to 7 electrons to 1 neutron in baryonic matter. There is also an unknown number of dark matter particles, as well as photons and other elementary particles. Theories do not permit dark matter to be comprised of identified standard model particles, and there is no limit to the number of photons created, as they have always existed alongside matter.
  • #1
tim9000
867
17
I was wondering if there is a current hypothesis about the quantities of which matter particles were created?
I'm not completely au fait with the standard model, but I've seen the picture:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...tandard_Model_of_Elementary_Particles.svg.png

And when I was at HS I always wondered if it was a property of the universe that matter was made like 'one electron for every proton'? (Sort of thing)

So is there any theory regarding the ratios of abundance of those sub-atomic particles in the universe (including dark matter) ?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The universe has a net charge of (approximately?) zero. As proton and electron are the only stable or long-living particles, there are about as many protons as there are electrons in the universe.
To a good approximation, baryonic matter is 75% hydrogen-1 and 25% helium-4 by mass, which means we have a ratio of about 7 protons to 7 electrons to 1 neutron. And keeping that scale, we have to add about 15 billion photons, roughly 10 billion neutrinos and an unknown number of dark matter particles (their energy density is well-known, but their mass per particle is not). Everything else is negligible.

The latter two numbers are from cosmological observations (and conversion of the energy density to particle densities).
 
  • #3
mfb said:
The universe has a net charge of (approximately?) zero. As proton and electron are the only stable or long-living particles, there are about as many protons as there are electrons in the universe.
To a good approximation, baryonic matter is 75% hydrogen-1 and 25% helium-4 by mass, which means we have a ratio of about 7 protons to 7 electrons to 1 neutron. And keeping that scale, we have to add about 15 billion photons, roughly 10 billion neutrinos and an unknown number of dark matter particles (their energy density is well-known, but their mass per particle is not). Everything else is negligible.

The latter two numbers are from cosmological observations (and conversion of the energy density to particle densities).
Thanks for that really good answer. Ok so a net charge of approximately zero.

So does current theory permit dark matter to be comprised of some already sort of identified standard model particles? (just like exotic forms)

What about photons, is there any limit to the 'number' of photons created? like conceivably was it just matter that was created "IN THE BEGINNING"? And photons are just generated from taking energy from the matter?

Thanks again
 
  • #4
tim9000 said:
So does current theory permit dark matter to be comprised of some already sort of identified standard model particles?
There are a few exotic models, but they all don't work well.
tim9000 said:
What about photons, is there any limit to the 'number' of photons created?
There is no limit, but we know the density of photons.
As far back as we can trust our theories, there were always photons and matter at the same time. And all the other elementary particles as well.
 

1. What is the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe?

The ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe is constantly changing due to the dynamic nature of the universe. However, the most commonly accepted ratio is approximately 74% hydrogen, 24% helium, and 2% other elements.

2. How do scientists determine the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe?

Scientists use a variety of methods to determine the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe. These include observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, measurements of the chemical composition of stars and other celestial objects, and data from particle accelerators.

3. Has the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe always been the same?

No, the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe has not always been the same. In the early universe, there were significantly higher amounts of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of other elements. As stars formed and died, these elements were created through nuclear fusion and supernova explosions, changing the overall ratio of abundance.

4. Can the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe change in the future?

Yes, the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe is constantly evolving and can change in the future. As stars continue to form and die, new elements will be created and the overall ratio of abundance will shift. Additionally, the expansion of the universe and potential interactions with dark matter could also affect the ratio.

5. Why is the ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe important to study?

The ratio of abundance of sub-atomic particles in the universe is important to study because it can provide insights into the history and evolution of the universe. By understanding the ratio of elements present, scientists can better understand the processes that have shaped the universe and continue to do so. This information can also help us better understand our own origins and place in the universe.

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