Understanding the Mass Ratios of Electrons and Neutrons in Atoms

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    Mass Ratios
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SUMMARY

The mass ratio of an electron to a neutron is approximately 1/1836, indicating that an electron is about 1836 times lighter than a neutron. This ratio is significant in understanding atomic structure and the behavior of fundamental particles. Current discussions highlight the lack of a definitive explanation for this mass disparity, with references to Wilzeck's "Mount Planck" as a conceptual framework. The implications of altering the mass of protons or their ratios to electrons remain speculative and largely unexplored within the scientific community.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure and particle physics
  • Familiarity with fundamental particles, specifically electrons, neutrons, and quarks
  • Knowledge of mass ratios and their significance in physics
  • Awareness of current scientific literature and resources, such as the Particle Data Group
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of mass ratios in particle physics
  • Explore Wilzeck's "Mount Planck" for insights into particle mass relationships
  • Investigate the role of up and down quarks in determining atomic mass
  • Review the latest findings on particle masses from the Particle Data Group
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of matter and atomic structure.

godzilla7
Is there any reason why an electron is 1084(I think that's right) times smaller than the mass of a neutron. is there any mathematical or "physical" reason why this works for atoms and if so what would be the consequences of a proton having half that mass but with the same ratio to an electron or indeed having a different ratio? Would there be any real world implications or is the ratio important rather than the masses?

Is this a 'it just is' answer question?
 
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It is an unaswered question. Wilzeck's "Mount Planck" is a good sketch of the issue.
 
Compare the mass of an electron with the masses of up and down quarks and tell me whether the ratio is that "impressive"...

BTW:~1039.6 is the number you were supposed to write...

Daniel.
 
The reason I asked was?

At work I'm talking to a guy who thinks he know's why it is the masses are of that ratio, so I thought I might try and find out if anyone else had any insight, he's a clever guy but he won't tell me his ideas, he's a Dr on a mission, he'll be gratifeid to know that the science community know's not why, not surprisingly; I thought I'd find out if anyone else had approached this problem, I see that they haven't, good I'd love to work with a Nobel prize winner:) just kidding but he thinks he's close to finding the answer, if he is great but I doubt it; thanks for replying to the post anyway,all answers greatfuly recieved
 
godzilla7, please redirect your friend to my wiki page
http://www.physcomments.org/wiki/index.php?title=Bakery:HdV

for info in different amateurish approaches.

The most current measured values are always in the "particle data group" website http://pdg.lbl.gov/
 
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