Do Nucleons Change Size When They Lose Energy in Fusion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether nucleons change size when they lose energy during fusion processes. Participants explore the implications of energy loss on the size of nucleons, particularly in the context of fusion reactions involving protons and neutrons.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if nucleons change size when they lose energy in fusion, suggesting a potential relationship between energy loss and size.
  • Another participant argues that after fusion, original nuclei do not remain, implying that size changes occur but may not be directly comparable to the original nucleons.
  • A participant mentions that in the fusion of a proton and neutron, the resulting proton part of deuterium may be equal to or less than the size of a proton, indicating a potential change in size due to energy release.
  • There is a query about whether protons are considered point particles, with one participant asserting that they are not.
  • Another participant expresses that their previous answer was based solely on the thread title, indicating a lack of deeper engagement with the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether nucleons change size during fusion, with multiple viewpoints presented regarding the nature of nucleons and the implications of energy loss.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of nucleon size and the implications of energy changes in fusion, as well as the nature of protons as point particles.

Deepak247
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Hi there...

My question is that when nucleon's loses energy (such as in fusion),does that affect their size as well? do they also shrink or grow by losing or gaining energy?
 
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You don't have original nuclei after fusion, but a new one, so the size definitely changes - but you are comparing apples and oranges.
 
Nice, but hardly related to the original question.
 
OK...but in general let's say in a fusion of proton and neutron, when energy is released after fusion, then the proton part of deuterium is equal to or less than a proton(i.e in size)
 
Deepak247 said:
OK...but in general let's say in a fusion of proton and neutron, when energy is released after fusion, then the proton part of deuterium is equal to or less than a proton(i.e in size)

Are protons considered Point Particles? If so, i believe its more about the effective range of their charge than an actual hard little ball that comprises it.
 
Drakkith said:
Are protons considered Point Particles?

Nope.
 
Yea, I just based my answer on the thread title.
 

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