Reasons which give support for quark substructure of p and n

In summary, there are two main reasons that support the theory of quark substructure in protons and neutrons. Firstly, in deep elastic scattering of electrons from protons, the analysis of the structure function revealed that the proton has a non-point-like charge distribution, indicating that it has structure. Further analysis showed that this structure is due to the presence of quarks, which are considered fundamental particles. Secondly, in high-energy collisions, quark-antiquark pairs are created, providing evidence for the existence of quarks within protons and neutrons. Additionally, the quark model used to categorize hadron spectra also supports the idea of quark substructure, until a better model is proposed.
  • #1
Poirot
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Homework Statement


Give 2 reasons which give support for the quark substructure of protons and neutrons

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



My first reason was due to the fact that in deep elastic scattering of the electron from a proton, the analysis of the structure function (fourier transform) showed the charge distribution of the proton was not a dirac delta functon, and hence the proton has structure, further analysis found quarks were in fact point like and therefore fundamental.

I cannot think of another reason which is valid. I thought maybe something about how when you collide things at high energies quark antiquark pairs are created? but I don't think that right.
Any help would be fab thank you!
 
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  • #2
I don't know how to hint without just telling for a question like this but consider the phenomenology of inelastic scattering of nucleons...
also consider how quark model categorizes hadron spectra... that's not perfect as it assumes no better model than quarks without argument that no such better model exists but well it supports quark substructure *as a model* until something better comes along.
 

1. What is the evidence for the existence of quark substructure in protons and neutrons?

There are several lines of evidence that support the existence of quark substructure in protons and neutrons. One of the most convincing pieces of evidence is the deep inelastic scattering experiments, which showed that protons and neutrons are made up of smaller particles. Additionally, studies of particle interactions and decay processes also support the existence of quark substructure.

2. How do quarks contribute to the overall properties of protons and neutrons?

Quarks are fundamental building blocks of protons and neutrons, and their properties play a crucial role in determining the overall properties of these particles. The number and arrangement of quarks within a proton or neutron determine its mass, charge, and other properties.

3. What is the significance of the quark model in understanding the structure of protons and neutrons?

The quark model, also known as the Standard Model of particle physics, provides a framework for understanding the fundamental particles and their interactions. It explains the observed properties of protons and neutrons by proposing the existence of quark substructure and their interactions through the strong nuclear force.

4. Are there any alternative explanations for the substructure of protons and neutrons?

While the quark model is the most widely accepted explanation for the substructure of protons and neutrons, there have been alternative theories proposed. These include theories that suggest protons and neutrons are composite particles made up of smaller, more fundamental particles, or that they are made up of a combination of quarks and other exotic particles.

5. How does the concept of quark substructure impact our understanding of the universe?

The existence of quark substructure in protons and neutrons has significant implications for our understanding of the universe. It has helped us to explain the properties of matter and the forces that govern its interactions at the smallest scales. Additionally, the study of quarks and their interactions has played a crucial role in the development of technologies such as particle accelerators and medical imaging devices.

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