Process of charging particles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that a neutron cannot be charged in the traditional sense, as it is inherently neutral. Instead, interactions such as inverse beta decay can transform a neutron into a proton and an electron antineutrino when bombarded with positrons. This process is often mischaracterized as "charging" a neutron, but it fundamentally alters the particle's identity. The terminology surrounding this concept is deemed misleading by participants in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, particularly quantum numbers.
  • Familiarity with the process of inverse beta decay.
  • Knowledge of particle interactions, specifically between neutrons and positrons.
  • Basic grasp of electric charge and its implications in particle physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of inverse beta decay in detail.
  • Explore the role of quantum numbers in particle interactions.
  • Study the differences between charged and neutral particles in particle physics.
  • Investigate the terminology used in particle physics to avoid misconceptions.
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Students and professionals in particle physics, physicists studying quantum interactions, and educators seeking to clarify concepts related to particle charge and transformations.

spyaaron
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How does a person charge a particle? Like a neutron, for instance?
 
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A person does not. A neutron with a (electric) charge is not a neutron.

Further, charge in general indicates sensitivity to electric or color conserved quantum numbers.
 
The particles can't be electircally charged, they have certain charges.
The particles can undergo certain interactions however, leading to changing their nature and charges. For example if you bombard neutrons with positrons, then you might achieve the process [inverse beta decay]:
e^+ + n \rightarrow p + \bar{\nu}_e
If you call that "charging the neutron", then so be it. But I think this terminology is very bad. The neutron changes to something totally different.
 

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