Classical radius of nucleons and quarks

Therefore, it does not have a physical radius like a nucleon or electron. However, it does have a characteristic wavelength and frequency. In summary, the classical radius of nucleons or quarks is calculated using the formula e^2/mc^2 and has no physical significance. The physical radius of a nucleon is almost 1 fm, while the electron physical radius is likely 0. A photon is considered a point particle and does not have a physical radius, but does have a characteristic wavelength and frequency.
  • #1
relativityfan
75
0
hi,

how do you calculate the classical radius of nucleons or quarks? do you include only the electrostatic potential energy or also some nuclear potential energy?. i have read many times that the classical radius of nucleons is lower than the classical radius of the electron, is it right?

thank you for your reply!
 
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  • #2
The "classical radius", usually defined as e^2//mc^2, has no physical significance.
It would be much smaller for a nucleon than an electron, but the physical radius of a
nucleon is almost 1 fm, while the electron physical radius is probably 0.
 
  • #3
For nucleons one can measure form factors (and structure functions); form factors are something like the Fourier transform of the corresponding density (charge, current, ...) so one can measure the radius indirectly via the charge, current, ... distributions
 
  • #4
Meir Achuz said:
The "classical radius", usually defined as e^2//mc^2, has no physical significance.
It would be much smaller for a nucleon than an electron, but the physical radius of a
nucleon is almost 1 fm, while the electron physical radius is probably 0.

thank you, and how does it compare with the photon?
 
  • #5
A photon is considered a point particle.
 

What is the classical radius of a nucleon?

The classical radius of a nucleon is a theoretical measurement of the size of a proton or neutron. It is approximately 0.84 femtometers, or 0.84 x 10^-15 meters.

What is the classical radius of a quark?

The classical radius of a quark is even smaller than that of a nucleon, at approximately 0.0000000000000000000001 femtometers. This extremely small size makes it difficult to measure and is constantly being refined by new research.

What is the significance of the classical radius of nucleons and quarks?

The classical radius of nucleons and quarks is important in understanding the structure of atoms and the strong nuclear force that holds them together. It also provides insight into the nature of matter and its fundamental building blocks.

How is the classical radius of nucleons and quarks determined?

The classical radius of nucleons and quarks is determined through various theoretical models and experimental data. Scientists use particle accelerators and other high-energy experiments to study the behavior of these particles and refine their understanding of their size and properties.

Can the classical radius of nucleons and quarks change?

Yes, the classical radius of nucleons and quarks is not a fixed value and can change depending on the conditions and interactions with other particles. As our understanding of these fundamental particles evolves, so does our understanding of their size and properties.

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