So why does baryon octet have the extra spin?

Thread starter Xuekai Du
Start date May 3, 2015
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Baryon Spin

In summary, a baryon octet is a group of eight particles made up of three quarks each and is the building block of protons and neutrons. The baryon octet has extra spin due to the combination of individual quark spins, which helps explain the stability of the nucleus of an atom. This extra spin also affects the properties of the baryon octet, giving it a higher mass and longer lifetime. It can be observed through experiments and predicted through mathematical models and theories.

May 3, 2015

Xuekai Du

baryon decuplet and octet have same quark content, but has spin 1/2 and 3/2. So what gives octet the extra spin?

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May 3, 2015

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I don't think that is a meaningful question. You have two ways to combine three spin 1/2 particles to a total spin, 1/2 and 3/2. There is no "extra spin".

1. What is a baryon octet?

A baryon octet is a group of eight particles that are made up of three quarks each. These particles are the building blocks of protons and neutrons, which make up the nucleus of an atom.

2. Why does the baryon octet have extra spin?

The baryon octet has extra spin because each of the three quarks that make up the particle also have their own spin. When these spins are combined, they create an overall spin for the baryon octet that is greater than just the sum of the individual quark spins.

3. What is the significance of the baryon octet having extra spin?

The extra spin of the baryon octet is significant because it helps explain the stability of the nucleus of an atom. The extra spin allows for the strong nuclear force to keep the protons and neutrons tightly bound together.

4. How does the baryon octet's extra spin affect its properties?

The extra spin of the baryon octet affects its properties by giving it a higher mass and a longer lifetime compared to other particles with less spin. This also contributes to its stability and ability to form larger structures like atoms.

5. Can the baryon octet's extra spin be observed?

Yes, the baryon octet's extra spin can be observed through experiments such as particle accelerators, where scientists can study the behavior of particles at high energies. The extra spin can also be calculated and predicted through various mathematical models and theories.