The recent forum discussion centers on the claim that new measurements indicate protons are 4% smaller than previously thought. Participants express skepticism regarding the accuracy of these measurements, citing the challenges of defining the size of subatomic particles within quantum mechanics. The conversation highlights the operational definitions of particle size and the implications of such findings on our understanding of atomic structure. Key references include discussions on charge radius and the nature of boundaries in quantum physics.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the implications of recent findings in particle physics.
Trexman89 said:First of all, do you believe the new measurements are accurate and the proton is actually 4% smaller. If you do, What implications do you think this will have?
stevenb said:Hmmm, the old "does size matter?" question. Why not ask the electron, since she is his natural mate?
Acut said:Hm, I've always thought quantum mechanics didn't allow precise length measurements.
If it is hard to define what is the size of an atom, I'm wondering how to define a proton's size.
Where have you found this news?
Its an operational definition, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_radiusAcut said:I meant to say "precise length measurements of the proton". At such small scales, it is hard to define boundaries.
Acut said:By the way, I forgot asking... @ OP: where have you read about those new measurements?