Strong interaction in hadronic hydrogen atoms

[sham]

Hello,

Does anyone know why in pionic hydrogen the strong interaction should be attractive whilst in kaonic hydrogen it is repulsive. I have heard it is something to do with a sub-threshold resonance but nothing more.

Thanks

Sham

 

[Rade]

Hello,Does anyone know why in pionic hydrogen the strong interaction should be attractive whilst in kaonic hydrogen it is repulsive. I have heard it is something to do with a sub-threshold resonance but nothing more.

In pionic hydrogen the negative charge "pion" replaces the negative "electron"--thus predict attraction--see this link:http://www.oeaw.ac.at/smi/research/pi-h.htm . However, in kaonic hydrogen the negative "kaon" is found orbiting the hydrogen atom and thus predict repulsion to maintain the orbit--see this link for details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaonic_hydrogen

 

[sir-pinski]

Hi Sham,

The difference in the strong interaction between pionic and kaonic hydrogen atoms can be explained by the different masses of the particles involved. Pions, which are the particles in pionic hydrogen, have a much smaller mass compared to kaons, which are in kaonic hydrogen. This difference in mass affects the energy levels and binding of the atoms, resulting in an attractive or repulsive strong interaction.

In pionic hydrogen, the pion has a smaller mass than the proton, so it can easily form a bound state with the proton through the strong interaction. This results in an attractive force between the two particles. However, in kaonic hydrogen, the kaon has a larger mass than the proton, making it more difficult for the two particles to form a bound state. This results in a repulsive force between them.

The sub-threshold resonance you mentioned may also play a role in this difference. In kaonic hydrogen, the kaon is close to the threshold for decay into other particles, so it can have a short lifetime. This means that the kaon is not able to form a strong, long-lasting interaction with the proton, leading to a repulsive force.

I hope this helps to clarify the difference in the strong interaction between pionic and kaonic hydrogen atoms. Let me know if you have any other questions!