Explanation of the mass and charge of the proton

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the explanation of the mass and charge of the proton within the framework of quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on the role of quarks and the relationship to the electron's mass and charge. The scope includes theoretical considerations and interpretations of particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how quantum mechanics can explain the mass and charge of the proton while seemingly neglecting the electron's mass and charge.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the initial claim, indicating a lack of clarity in the argument presented.
  • A participant humorously critiques the response about strong interactions, suggesting it lacks intuitive clarity for the general audience.
  • One participant proposes that the explanation may relate to quarks, which are fundamental constituents of protons.
  • A later reply clarifies that quarks are used in quantum mechanics to explain the proton's properties but notes that there is no analogous explanation for the electron's properties, implying a potential asymmetry in understanding.
  • Another participant emphasizes that experiments, such as Rutherford scattering, have demonstrated that protons are composite objects made up of point charges, while no similar evidence exists for the electron's composition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the explanations provided, with some confusion and contention regarding the relationship between the properties of protons and electrons. No consensus is reached on the adequacy of quantum mechanics in addressing these questions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about the nature of particles and the definitions of mass and charge. The relationship between quarks and the properties of protons and electrons remains unresolved.

LitleBang
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How can quantum mechanics propose an explanation of the mass and charge of the proton using particles with partial charges and guessed at mass but ignore the mass and charge of the electron?
 
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What?
 


A strong interaction. Wow what a strong response. I am sure all the common people immediately grasped your intuitive answer.
 


LitleBang said:
A strong interaction. Wow what a strong response. I am sure all the common people immediately grasped your intuitive answer.

No "its a strong interaction" is my signature...

"what?" refers to that I have no idea what you are talking about "but ignore the mass and charge of the electron? "
 


I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say this has something to do with quarks...
 


Malawi I'm sorry.

Peng, your right. I was referring to the quarks that QM uses to explain the protons mass and charge but it has no particles to explain the electrons mass and charge. One would think that whatever explains the charge of a proton the exact opposite would explain the charge of an electron.
 


LitleBang said:
Malawi I'm sorry.

Peng, your right. I was referring to the quarks that QM uses to explain the protons mass and charge but it has no particles to explain the electrons mass and charge. One would think that whatever explains the charge of a proton the exact opposite would explain the charge of an electron.

No since we know that the proton is a composite object by performing scattering experiments (c.f. Rutherford scattering on atoms, we now found that the proton is build up by point charges)

So far, no experiment has shown any composition of the electron.
 

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