Is the Electron the Smallest Stable Particle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether the electron is the smallest stable subatomic particle, with participants exploring definitions of "smallest" and "stable" in the context of particle physics. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and debates regarding the properties of various particles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the meaning of "smallest," suggesting it could refer to lightest or smallest in terms of mass.
  • Another participant proposes that both the photon and electron could be considered as candidates for the smallest stable particle.
  • Concerns are raised about the vagueness of the question, particularly regarding the stability of the electron when it combines with positively charged particles.
  • Some participants suggest that neutrinos, specifically the electron neutrino, might be considered the smallest stable particle due to their low mass and minimal interaction with other particles.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the definitions of "smallest" as referring to non-zero rest mass and "stable" as the ability to exist independently for an extended period.
  • There is acknowledgment that the masses of neutrinos are not well known, which adds uncertainty to claims about their stability and size.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on what constitutes the "smallest" and "stable" particle, with no consensus reached on the definitions or the answer to the original question.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the definitions used, the ambiguity in the term "stable," and the unresolved nature of neutrino mass measurements.

nottay
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Is an electron the smallest stable subatomic particle? By stable I mean it can exist independently of other particles.
 
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What do you mean by "smallest"? Lightest?
 
maybe photon or electron .
 
Take your pick from here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_particles

The question is very vague for because for example the electron will immediately combine with a positively charged particle...is that "stable" enough for you?? does an electron in an atom meet your criteria?...in addition, the typical electron is a "cloud" rather than a point particle as often modeled.
 
I would say some neutrino is the "smallest" in the sense that it has a small mass and doesn't interact much with anything.
 
Naty1 said:
Take your pick from here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_particles

The question is very vague for because for example the electron will immediately combine with a positively charged particle...is that "stable" enough for you?? does an electron in an atom meet your criteria?...in addition, the typical electron is a "cloud" rather than a point particle as often modeled.
The same could be said about any other particle, but I agree, the question isn't really precise enough to answer unambiguously.
 
phyzguy said:
What do you mean by "smallest"? Lightest?

By "smallest" I mean non-zero rest mass. By "stable" I mean it can exist independently of other subatomic particles for an extended period of time.
 
nottay said:
By "smallest" I mean non-zero rest mass. By "stable" I mean it can exist independently of other subatomic particles for an extended period of time.[/QUOTE

The lightest stable elementary particle appears to be the electron neutrino. I say appears to be because the neutrino masses are not known very accurately, but my understanding is that the electron neutrino is the lightest of the three neutrinos.
 
Thanks phyzguy!
 

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