Quark Combinations for Protons and Neutrons

In summary, the combinations of quarks that make up a proton and neutron are specifically 2 up quarks and 1 down quark (uud) for the proton and 2 down quarks and 1 up quark (udd) for the neutron. Other combinations of quarks can create different particles, but they are not protons or neutrons. For example, a combination of 2 charm quarks and 1 strange quark would create a particle called a double charmed omega, but it is unstable and decays quickly. Additionally, top quarks are too unstable to form hadrons.
  • #1
FeDeX_LaTeX
Gold Member
437
13
Hello;

My physics teacher asked me to name the combinations of quarks that could make up a proton and a neutron;

uud = proton
udd = neutron

But is that all? Does it have to be 2 up quarks and 1 down quark to make the proton? Why not 2 charm quarks and 1 strange quark, for example? Or 2 top and 1 bottom?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
FeDeX_LaTeX said:
Hello;

My physics teacher asked me to name the combinations of quarks that could make up a proton and a neutron;

uud = proton
udd = neutron

But is that all? Does it have to be 2 up quarks and 1 down quark to make the proton? Why not 2 charm quarks and 1 strange quark, for example? Or 2 top and 1 bottom?

Thanks.

Yes, particles can be made with many different quark types and combinations, but they are not protons and neutrons. your example of scc is called a double charmed omega particle. that particle is unstable and decays after a very short amount of time.

as for your btt example, top quarks are so unstable they do not last long enough to form hadrons.
 

Related to Quark Combinations for Protons and Neutrons

What are quark combinations for protons and neutrons?

Quarks are subatomic particles that make up protons and neutrons. Protons are made up of two up quarks and one down quark, while neutrons are made up of two down quarks and one up quark. This combination of quarks results in a positive charge for protons and no charge for neutrons.

Do all protons and neutrons have the same quark combinations?

Yes, all protons and neutrons have the same quark combinations. This is because quarks are fundamental particles and cannot be broken down into smaller components.

How do quark combinations affect the properties of protons and neutrons?

The quark combinations in protons and neutrons determine their properties, such as mass and charge. For example, the combination of two up quarks and one down quark in a proton results in a positive charge, while the combination of two down quarks and one up quark in a neutron results in no charge.

Can quark combinations change?

No, quark combinations cannot change. Quarks are bound together by the strong nuclear force and cannot be separated or changed into different combinations. However, it is possible for quarks to change into other types of particles through processes such as radioactive decay.

Why is understanding quark combinations important in particle physics?

Understanding quark combinations is important in particle physics because they are the building blocks of protons and neutrons, which in turn make up the nucleus of atoms. By studying the behavior and interactions of quarks, scientists can gain a better understanding of the fundamental forces and particles that make up our universe.

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