QCD & SU(3): Explaining Particle Transformations

In summary, QCD explains the fact that all particles observed in nature transform under SU(3) by assigning each particle a specific transformation property under SU(3)_color. While not all particles may transform in the same way, they all have a well-defined transformation property that can be understood through studying undergraduate texts on particle physics, such as D. Griffiths' "Introduction to Elementary Particles." Additionally, this transformation property can be seen in quarks and leptons, which belong to different representations, and in observed hadrons, which are all color singlets due to confinement. However, there is no definitive mathematical proof for confinement at this time.
  • #1
jinbaw
65
0
Can you please specify a reference to help me understand how QCD explains the fact that all particles observed in nature transforms under SU(3).
 
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  • #2
Not all particles transform under SU(3).

If searching around on wikipedia is insufficient for you, I'd suggest picking up an undergrad text on particle physics. D. Griffiths, "Introduction to Elementary Particles," is a particularly good one.
 
  • #3
okay, thanks
 
  • #4
Actually the statement "not all particles transform under SU(3)" could be misleading. All particles have a well-defined transformation property under SU(3)_color. Quarks for instance transform under the fundamental representation. Leptons belong to the trivial singlet representation, the identity, they are invariant under SU(3)_color rotations. Observed hadrons also are color singlet, this is essentially confinement. We can understand this property by hand-waving, but there is no definite mathematical, rigorous, proof of confinement.
 

Related to QCD & SU(3): Explaining Particle Transformations

1. What is QCD and SU(3)?

QCD (Quantum Chromodynamics) is a theory that explains the strong nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It describes how particles called quarks and gluons interact to form larger particles such as protons and neutrons. SU(3) is a mathematical symmetry group that is used to describe the interactions between quarks and gluons.

2. How does QCD and SU(3) explain particle transformations?

Particle transformations occur when quarks and gluons interact with each other, exchanging energy and changing their states. QCD and SU(3) provide a mathematical framework to describe and predict these transformations, allowing us to understand how particles are created and destroyed.

3. What is the significance of SU(3) in QCD?

SU(3) is a key component of QCD because it is the mathematical symmetry group that describes the strong nuclear force. This means that the interactions between quarks and gluons can be described using the principles of SU(3), allowing us to make predictions and calculations about the behavior of particles.

4. How does QCD and SU(3) relate to the Standard Model of particle physics?

The Standard Model of particle physics is a theory that describes the fundamental particles and forces of nature. QCD and SU(3) are a part of this model, specifically explaining the strong nuclear force and its interactions with quarks and gluons. Without QCD and SU(3), the Standard Model would be incomplete.

5. What are some current research topics related to QCD and SU(3)?

There are many ongoing research topics related to QCD and SU(3), such as studying the properties of quarks and gluons, understanding the behavior of particles at high energies, and exploring the effects of QCD on the early universe. Other areas of research include the search for new particles and the use of QCD and SU(3) in developing new technologies, such as quantum computing.

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