How Are Quark and Proton Wavelengths Related in Quantum Mechanics?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the relationship between quark and proton wavelengths in quantum mechanics, specifically addressing the implications of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The participant explores the quantum wavelength of protons, utilizing equations such as E=pc and E=mc², while questioning the validity of these approaches in non-relativistic contexts. The conclusion emphasizes that the uncertainty in energy increases significantly when localizing quarks within protons, leading to particle creation and annihilation phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, particularly wave-particle duality
  • Knowledge of relativistic energy-momentum relations
  • Basic grasp of particle physics, including quarks and protons
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  • Study the implications of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum field theory
  • Learn about relativistic quantum mechanics and its applications
  • Research particle creation and annihilation processes in quantum physics
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, particle physics, and the behavior of subatomic particles.

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Homework Statement


Ok,as part of my dissertation I'm trying to explain about how quarks have a bigger quantum wavelength than protons so when you localise a quark inside a proton, the uncertainty in energy of the system becomes really big so there's a load of creation/anhilitation of other particles going on inside the proton.
This is how my supervisor explained it but I'm not sure I get it...



The Attempt at a Solution


This is what my supervisor said;
(I'm using D as 'uncertainty in', and h means h bar)

to work out quantum wavelength of a proton;
Start with Heisenberg

1)DpDx>h (for a start I think this should be h/2)

2)then use E=pc ------I don't understand why you can use this- it's not a realtivistic case. My supervisor said it works if you say that the proton is gaining energy by being hit with photons... but then

3) sub equation (2) into(1)

DE>hc/Dx

but the momentum in 1) is the momentum of the proton and in 2) its the momentum of the photon so how does that work?

4) then you sub in E=mc^2 to get; Dx>hc/mc^2

and the quantum wavelength is h/mc

I don't think this is right does anyone have a better argument?
 
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That's a poor argument, though the end result is correct (to within some factors of pi and 2). The correct argument involves the limitation that dE be less than mc^2, in order that you do not create two particles out of one.
 
I still don't quite understand- do you still start from Heisenberg?

Ok is it something like;

DpDx>h/2

then I'm thinking maybe use kinetic energy/ momentum relation to get to energy?
(p=(2mE)^-1/2)

and when you say dE<mc^2 is that the mass of the proton? cause surely it should be the mass of any other possible particle...?
 

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