How do gluons bind quarks together?

In summary, the exchange of gluons between quarks "binds" them together through a non-relativistic picture of quark-quark interaction via gluon exchange. This is similar to how the exchange of photons binds an electron and proton together in electrodynamics. The virtual gluons passing between quarks constantly create attractive forces, leading to the confinement of light quarks in nature. However, this exchange can also result in repulsive interactions. Richard Feynman compares the process of gluon exchange to that of photon exchange in his book "QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter", but the calculation for gluons is more complex due to a larger coupling constant.
  • #1
Unredeemed
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How does the exchange of gluons between quarks "bind" them together?
 
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  • #2
How does the exchange of photons bind an electron and proton together?
 
  • #3
How does exchange of words bind a group of people together?
 
  • #4
Unredeemed said:
How does the exchange of gluons between quarks "bind" them together?
Your question can be understood at several levels. The way I understand it, it may be re-phrased
why does the potential grow linearly ?
in a non-relativistic picture of quark-quark interaction via gluon exchange.

All the way up to
what is the physical mechanism for confinement of light quarks in Nature ?
there are many other possible interpretations.
 
  • #5
As in, why does the fact that virtual gluons pass between quarks constantly mean that they stay together as neutrons and protons?

In other words, how does the virtual gluon transmit an attractive force?
 
  • #6
Unredeemed said:
how does the virtual gluon transmit an attractive force?
It does not. Gluon exchange can result in both attractive and repulsive interactions.

You indeed may want to review how the photon transmit electromagnetic interaction.
 
  • #7
Unredeemed said:
How does the exchange of gluons between quarks "bind" them together?

Though I can't say I fully understand it myself, Richard Feynman compares gluons and chromodynamics with photons and electrodynamics, talking about a coupling constant referred to as j for photons and g for gluons, which seems relative to amplitude, in the book 'QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter', g being much larger and more complex to calculate than j.
 
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1. What is the concept of quarks exchanging gluons?

The concept of quarks exchanging gluons is a fundamental aspect of the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. Quarks are subatomic particles that make up protons and neutrons, and gluons are the particles that mediate the strong force between quarks. The exchange of gluons between quarks is what holds them together to form larger particles.

2. How does the exchange of gluons between quarks work?

The exchange of gluons between quarks is a continuous process that involves the emission and absorption of gluons. As quarks move closer together, they exchange gluons, which interact with each other through the strong force. This interaction results in the attraction between the quarks, keeping them bound together.

3. Why is the exchange of gluons important for understanding the structure of matter?

The exchange of gluons is important for understanding the structure of matter because it explains how quarks are held together to form larger particles, such as protons and neutrons. The strong force is responsible for the stability of these particles, and the exchange of gluons is a crucial mechanism for this force to act.

4. Can gluons be observed or detected?

No, gluons cannot be observed or detected directly. This is because they are confined within particles and cannot exist on their own. However, their indirect effects can be observed through experiments, such as high-energy collisions in particle accelerators.

5. How does the concept of quarks exchanging gluons relate to the Standard Model of particle physics?

The concept of quarks exchanging gluons is an essential part of the Standard Model of particle physics. This model describes the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe, and the strong force and its carrier particle, the gluon, are included in this model. The exchange of gluons is also a key component in the process of nuclear fusion, which powers the sun and stars.

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