Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the presence of quarks in moles of hydrogen and plutonium, exploring the composition of protons and neutrons, and the emergence of other quarks in high-energy environments. It touches on theoretical and conceptual aspects of particle physics.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant asserts that a mole of hydrogen contains only up and down quarks, while a mole of plutonium should contain all types of quarks.
- Another participant argues that all elements are composed of protons and neutrons, which consist solely of up and down quarks.
- Some participants express confusion about the existence of other quarks, questioning where they are located if only up and down quarks are present in protons and neutrons.
- It is suggested that other quarks appear in unstable baryons created in high-energy colliders.
- One participant inquires whether the energy of a collision creates other quarks and if they decay, seeking clarification on the decay process.
- Another participant confirms that the energy of a collision can create other quarks, which do decay, providing a link to an external resource about top quark decay.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is disagreement among participants regarding the presence and role of quarks beyond up and down in common elements. Some participants maintain that only up and down quarks are present in stable matter, while others introduce the concept of quarks appearing in high-energy scenarios, indicating a lack of consensus.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes unresolved questions about the conditions under which different quarks appear and the specifics of their decay processes, highlighting potential limitations in understanding particle interactions in various contexts.