Nuetron Neutrality: How Does it Have an Anti-Particle?

  • Context: Undergrad 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of neutrons, their anti-particles, and methods of accelerating neutrons. It includes theoretical aspects of particle composition, practical considerations in neutron production, and the implications of neutron magnetic moments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how a neutral particle like the neutron can have an anti-particle.
  • Another participant explains that a neutron is a composite particle made of quarks, while an antineutron consists of anti-quarks.
  • There is a query about the methods used to accelerate neutrons.
  • A response indicates that neutrons are not typically accelerated but produced with desired energy through reactions.
  • Participants discuss the neutron magnetic moment and its potential relevance to neutron acceleration.
  • One participant inquires if it is possible to use the magnetic moment for neutron acceleration, while another suggests gravity as a possible method, albeit not very effective.
  • There is mention of spallation sources for producing neutron beams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the acceleration of neutrons, with some suggesting it is not typically done while others propose possible methods. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of these methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the understanding of neutron acceleration and the implications of neutron magnetic moments, indicating that further exploration of these concepts may be necessary.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in particle physics, neutron behavior, and methods of particle acceleration may find this discussion relevant.

cragar
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if the nuetron is nuetral in charge then how does it have an anti-particle?
 
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A neutron (note spelling) is a composite particle. It is made of an up-quark (charge +2/3 e) and two down-quarks (each with charge -1/3 e). An antineutron is made of an anti-up-quark and two anti-down-quarks.
 
oh i see , how do they accelerate neutrons!
 
As far as I know, we don't accelerate neutrons. We produce them with the desired energy, by some suitable reaction. Once we have them, we can block them with shielding, but we can't accelerate or "steer" them.
 
what about the Neutron magnetic moment?
 
cragar said:
what about the Neutron magnetic moment?
Do you suggest to use the magnetic moment to accelerate neutrons ? Usually when we talk about particle accelerators, we're mostly interested in this part of the acceleration which is parallel to the momentum.
 
im just asking is it possible
 
cragar said:
im just asking is it possible
As far as I know, yes it is possible, using gravity, so it's not quite effective.

But if the goal is to produce a neutron beam, there are spallation sources as well.
 
i see thanks for the info.
 

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