Earth-Shattering Discovery: Proton Size

  • Thread starter Thread starter schaefera
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Discovery Proton
AI Thread Summary
The recent findings on proton size indicate a charge radius of 1.082 femtometers, which is 5% smaller than previously accepted values. This discrepancy between measurement methods raises questions about the validity of existing theories in quantum electrodynamics (QED) and quantum field theory (QFT). While some participants liken the discovery to groundbreaking quantum phenomena, others argue it is a significant but not revolutionary refinement of our understanding of physics. The implications for theories predicting proton size could lead to new insights or adjustments in the field. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of precise measurements in advancing scientific knowledge.
schaefera
Messages
208
Reaction score
0
sciencemag.org/content/339/6118/417

How far-reaching are the implications of this? Presumably it could add support to or help disprove certain theories that predict the larger radius as compared to what was found. It's mind boggling, really. I'd have to say this is on par with the discovery of the quantum (ie photoelectric effect, double slit experiment).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't see the big deal with this. Could you elaborate?
 
Well QED and QFT aren't my area of expertise, I just found it interesting this hadn't been posted yet.

What do those theories predict as the radius of the proton? It'd be a good test of their validity.
 
How far-reaching are the implications of this?

I can't decipher the mumbo-jumbo in the abstract. Did they say it was anything other than the 10^-15 m I learned in college?:confused:
 
Ok, correction, I saw the Femtometers thing. So its 1.082 femtometers, pretty close to what I learned in high school, where's the fire?
 
Well it's actually the charge radius which is a full 5% below previously accepted values, that's the important thing here.
 
Reasonable explanation here..

http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...twitter&utm_campaign=RenewableEnergyHeadlines

As i understand it..

Knowing the size of the proton is important to our understanding of the laws of physics.

Two different ways of measuring it give different results.

That's allways interesting because it could be due to the way it's measured or some new physics?

Anyone care to comment if there are implication for LENR ?
 
schaefera said:
I'd have to say this is on par with the discovery of the quantum (ie photoelectric effect, double slit experiment).

It is not. Hate to burst your bubble. It is an important refinement of our understanding, but not to the extent that you are imagining.

Zz.
 

Similar threads

I Some questions about Cosmic Microwave Background radiation
Replies
13
Views
6K
What is the significance of complementarity in understanding quantum mechanics?
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top