Can a (uuu) baryon exist? If so, why wouldn't protons decay

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the existence of a (uuu) baryon and its implications for proton stability, exploring concepts related to quantum mechanics, baryon decay, and conservation laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the existence of a (uuu) baryon presents issues with color or other conservation quantities.
  • Others reference the Delta baryon to inquire about the connection between (uuu) baryons and proton decay.
  • One participant explains that (uuu) is heavier than the (uud) baryon due to quantum mechanics, noting that the total wave function must be antisymmetric under the exchange of up-quarks, which affects the spin and mass of the baryons.
  • A participant expresses initial confusion, assuming that a (uuu) baryon would be lighter than a proton and would thus decay to the lowest mass baryon, but acknowledges clarification from another reply.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of (uuu) baryons for proton decay, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about baryon masses and the implications of quantum mechanics on baryon stability that are not fully resolved.

Eric Putney
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Is this some sort of issue with color or another quantity that needs to be conserved?
 
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(uuu) is heavier than the lightest (uud) baryon. The reason comes from quantum mechanics: The total wave function has to be antisymmetric under the exchange of up-quarks. (uud) can have spin 1/2, but (uuu) cannot. A larger spin leads to a larger mass.
 
mfb said:
(uuu) is heavier than the lightest (uud) baryon. The reason comes from quantum mechanics: The total wave function has to be antisymmetric under the exchange of up-quarks. (uud) can have spin 1/2, but (uuu) cannot. A larger spin leads to a larger mass.
I suppose that makes sense, thanks for the reply!
 
Orodruin said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_baryon

Why do you think this would make protons decay?
I naively assumed that baryon would be the lightest baryon, lighter than a proton, so I assumed it would eventually decay to the lowest mass. The other reply explained why this would not be the case.
Thanks for the reply!
 

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