Quarks but if a proton is uud and a neutron is udd

In summary, protons and neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom with different charges - protons are positively charged while neutrons have no charge. They have different compositions due to the types of quarks that make up their structure, with protons having two "up" quarks and one "down" quark and neutrons having one "up" quark and two "down" quarks. Protons and neutrons interact through the strong nuclear force and can be converted into each other through beta decay. The arrangement of quarks in these particles contributes to their stability and the overall stability of the atom.
  • #1
harp AP 2010
30
0
I don't know much about quarks but if a proton is uud and a neutron is udd, is the (mass of a neutron)-(mass of proton)=mass of a down quark?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


More like u-d.
 
  • #3


Right, sorry...
 
  • #4


neutron-proton would be d-u, but other interactions also contribute to the mass difference. It can get complicated.
 

1. What is the difference between a proton and a neutron?

Protons and neutrons are both subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. The main difference between them is their charge - protons have a positive charge and neutrons have no charge. Additionally, protons are slightly more massive than neutrons.

2. Why do protons and neutrons have different compositions?

The composition of a particle is determined by the types of quarks that make up its structure. A proton is composed of two "up" quarks and one "down" quark (uud), while a neutron is composed of one "up" quark and two "down" quarks (udd).

3. How do protons and neutrons interact with each other?

Protons and neutrons interact through the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for holding the nucleus of an atom together. This force is mediated by the exchange of particles called gluons.

4. Can a proton turn into a neutron or vice versa?

In certain nuclear reactions, a proton can be converted into a neutron or vice versa. This process is known as beta decay and involves the conversion of an "up" quark into a "down" quark (or vice versa) and the emission of an electron or positron.

5. What is the significance of the arrangement of quarks in a proton and neutron?

The arrangement of quarks in a proton and neutron is significant because it allows for the stability of these particles. The combination of two "up" quarks and one "down" quark in a proton creates a net positive charge, while the combination of one "up" quark and two "down" quarks in a neutron creates a net neutral charge. This balance of charges contributes to the overall stability of the atom.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
853
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
375
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
996
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
772
Back
Top