Delta Particles vs Proton/Neutron: What's the Difference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the differences between delta particles (Δ0 and Δ+) and protons/neutrons, emphasizing that while Δ0 has the same quark composition as a neutron and Δ+ as a proton, both delta particles are significantly heavier. This increased mass is attributed to the total spin of the quarks, which is 3/2 for delta particles compared to 1/2 for protons and neutrons. Additionally, the mass difference is linked to spin-orbit coupling and interactions within the effective nuclear Hamiltonian, particularly the spin-spin force affecting quark alignment.

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alphali
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The quark composition of the Δ0 is the same as that of neutron but much heavier and the quark composition of Δ+ is the same as that of proton but also much heavier, so what is the difference between the delta particles and the proton and neutron and where did that extra mass come from?
 
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In my opinion, the difference lies in the fact that the spins of the quarks combine in such a way that in the case of protons and neutrons the total spin is 1/2, while in the case of the delta particles it is 3/2; this is a physically observable difference.
For what concerns the difference in mass, I'm not sure about what I'm going to say, but I think that it is due to some spin orbit coupling, or some interactions in the "effective nuclear" hamiltonian which involve the spin.
 
There is a spin-spin force that provides a positive energy for quarks with aligned spins, and a negative energy for spins in opposite alignment. All three quarks in the Delta have the same alignment, making it heavier than the proton.
 

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