Do traditional particles occupy space

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether traditional particles, specifically neutrons and electrons, occupy space and how they should be classified in terms of size. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a neutron should be considered a point particle or if it possesses volume.
  • One participant suggests that if treated as classical particles, neutrons are considered point particles.
  • Another participant asserts that neutrons, being composite particles, would have a non-zero size, while electrons, as elementary particles, are point-like with zero size.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of neutrons and electrons regarding their size and whether they occupy space, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "point particle" and "volume," as well as the implications of classifying particles as composite versus elementary.

rootone
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For example should a neutron be considered as a point, or does it have volume?
 
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If treated as classical particles, then I believe they are considered as point particles.
 
rootone said:
For example should a neutron be considered as a point, or does it have volume?

Neutrons are composite particles, not elementary particles, and thus would have a non-zero size. An electron, being an elementary particle, is point-like. It has zero size.
 
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