Elementary Question: Subatomic Particle

In summary: I think that's enough for now. In summary, your particle would have to be smaller than the neutron, have a mass that you choose, and might be the mediator for a new interaction.
  • #1
Jay Gibson
5
0
Need some pointers handling this question:

"Invent a subatomic particle and describe its likely properties. Where in the atom would you expect your particle to exist, would it be stable, what is its mass, what is its charge, etc.? Present your findings to the class via whatever media you wish."
 
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  • #2
You'd need to give your particle at least a mass (can be 0) and a charge (in units of e). Then think about where you'd think that this particle would 'feel' at home. Remember: charges with opposite sign attract each other.

What kind of level of sofistication are you looking for? (e.g.: the mass has something to do with the stability). Do you want to include spin, isospin, color-charge, etc. etc. ?
 
  • #3
Very Simplistic

Sophistication level= very low level

I thought I'd call it a "zetchok" and make it a component of a neutron. Thanks...have to have answer by 8 central tonight
 
  • #4
There are many resources you can use in the net. The first that comes to mind is the "Particle adventure" site.

I don't know how much time you want to invest on this, or how long should your presentation be, but here are some ideas:

1. If the zetchok is a stable particle, its mass needs to be smaller than that of the neutron, since it is "always" there. On the other hand, if it is an unstable particle, it can have pretty much any mass you want.

2. I'd go for an unstable particle. Then, you can also say what its lifetime is.

3. Another thing you can choose is if your particle is:

a) A combination of quarks that was not seen before (you may know that these days there is a lot of excitement in many laboratories because some of them have found evidence for "pentaquarks"; all particles known to date are combinations of either two or three quarks, and finding one made out of five quarks would be quite a discovery), or

b) Something else (a new quark? a new lepton? something completely new?)

4. Many particles are "mediators" for a force. You can say that your particle is the exchange particle for a new interaction. So far, we know of four fundamental interactions, each one carried by its own particle: gravity (graviton), electromagnetism (photons), weak nuclear force (W and Z bosons) and strong nuclear force (gluons); there is no evidence of any other force, but you can invent one along with your particle.
 

1. What are subatomic particles?

Subatomic particles are the building blocks of atoms. They are smaller than atoms and make up the nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electron shells of an atom. Examples of subatomic particles include protons, neutrons, and electrons.

2. What is the difference between protons, neutrons, and electrons?

Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a negative charge. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in electron shells.

3. How are subatomic particles discovered?

Subatomic particles are discovered through experiments using specialized equipment, such as particle accelerators and detectors. Scientists also use mathematical models and theories to predict the existence and behavior of subatomic particles.

4. Can subatomic particles be destroyed or created?

Subatomic particles can be destroyed or created through various processes, such as nuclear reactions, collisions, and decay. However, the total number of subatomic particles in a closed system remains constant, as stated by the Law of Conservation of Mass.

5. What is the significance of subatomic particles?

Subatomic particles are essential for understanding the structure and behavior of matter. They also play a crucial role in various technological advancements, such as nuclear energy, medical imaging, and particle accelerators.

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