Why are there no fractionally charged hadrons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why hadrons do not exhibit fractional electric charges, despite quarks being known to have fractional charges. The scope includes theoretical considerations related to particle physics and the implications of quantum chromodynamics (QCD).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why quarks, which have fractional charges, do not combine to form hadrons with non-integer electrical charges.
  • One participant asks for specific examples of quark combinations that could result in fractional charges.
  • Another participant explains that a hadron with fractional charge cannot be a color singlet and notes that colored states are suppressed by QCD due to color confinement, suggesting that attempts to couple quarks in certain ways will not yield a color singlet.
  • A later reply expresses understanding of the explanation provided regarding color singlets and confinement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the formation of hadrons with fractional charges, with some agreeing on the implications of color confinement while others seek clarification and examples.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about quark combinations and their relation to color charge, nor does it provide definitive examples of quark arrangements.

MrRobotoToo
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If quarks are fractionally charged, why don't they ever combine to form hadrons with non-integer electrical charges?
 
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Can you give an example? What quark combination will do this?
 
MrRobotoToo said:
If quarks are fractionally charged, why don't they ever combine to form hadrons with non-integer electrical charges?
A hadron with fractional charge cannot be a color singulet; but colored states are dynamically suppressed by QCD due to color confinement (you can try to couple N quarks with N mod 3 > 0; you will never succeed in creating a color singulet).
 
tom.stoer said:
A hadron with fractional charge cannot be a color singulet; but colored states are dynamically suppressed by QCD due to color confinement (you can try to couple N quarks with N mod 3 > 0; you will never succeed in creating a color singulet).

Thanks for the response. I think I understand it now.
 

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