Effect of gravity on subatomic particles

In summary, experiments show that gravity affects the phase of a neutron wave. This could have implications for interpretations of the equivalence principle in quantum mechanics.
  • #1
salubs
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I'm looking for papers or discussions concerning how gravity affects stationary subatomic particles(electrons, protons, neutrons). If experiments are described, that would be a nice bonus.
 
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  • #2
You can calculate the effects of gravity on subatomic particles yourself... [itex]F=\frac{Gm_{1}m_{2}}{r^2}[/itex] and [itex]F=mgh[/itex] both work just fine. Often the gravitational forces are negligible compared with the electromagnetic forces here.
 
  • #3
Welcome to PF;
Nobody knows how fundamental particles interact gravitationally - such a model would be a theory of quantum gravity. Gravity is usually treated as a perturbation or neglected entirely - since our best models so far have the effect as so much smaller than pretty much everything else on that scale.

However - as you surmise, it is a field of active research at a range of scales.
i.e. See:

Greenberger, D. M.; Overhauser, A. W. The role of gravity in quantum theory; Scientific American, vol. 242, May 1980, p. 66-76.
Experiments with a neutron interferometer demonstrating the effects of gravitational fields on the quantum mechanical wave properties of subatomic particle are discussed. The principles of the neutron interferometer, which is usually composed of a single crystal of silicon, are presented, and an experiment carried out to measure the effects of Earth's gravity on the phase of the neutron is presented. Results indicating that a weak gravitational field shifts the phase of a neutron wave by the amount predicted by the Schroedinger equation are noted, and the implications of these results for the interpretation of the equivalence principle in quantum mechanics are considered. Other neutron interferometer experiments revealing the effects of Earth and particle rotation on the phase and sign of the neutron wave function, respectively, are presented, and the significance of the experimental results to grand unification theories is assessed.

Abelea, H. Jenkea, T. et al; QuBounce: the dynamics of ultra-cold neutrons falling in the gravity potential of the Earth; Nuclear Physics A, Volume 827, Issues 1–4, 15 August 2009, Pages 593c–595c; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nuclphysa.2009.05.131
The dynamics of a quantum mechanical wave packet bouncing off a hard surface in the gravitational field of the Earth combines quantum theory with aspects of Newtonian mechanics at short distances. We realize such a quantum bouncing ball with ultracold neutrons. By quantum interference, this experiment is sensitive to gravity-like forces at a length scale below 10 μm and can test speculations on large extra dimensions of submillimeter size of space-time or the origin of the cosmological constant in the universe.

Also found this thing
Rioux F. Evidence for Quantized Gravitational States of the Neutron Department of Chemistry
St. John's University/College of St. Benedict (self published)
http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~frioux/neutron/neutron.htm
... no idea how good it is - appears to relate to the previous cited.
Includes additional references at the bottom.

That should be enough to refine your search.
 
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FAQ: Effect of gravity on subatomic particles

1. How does gravity affect subatomic particles?

Gravity affects subatomic particles by exerting a force on them, causing them to be pulled towards each other. This force is weaker than the other fundamental forces (such as electromagnetism and strong and weak nuclear forces) but it still plays a role in the behavior of particles.

2. Does gravity affect all types of subatomic particles equally?

No, gravity affects different types of subatomic particles differently. Particles with mass are affected more by gravity than particles without mass, such as photons. Additionally, the strength of gravity's effect on a particle depends on its mass and distance from other particles.

3. Can gravity change the properties of subatomic particles?

Gravity does not directly change the properties of subatomic particles. However, the gravitational force between particles can affect their movement and interactions, which can indirectly impact their properties.

4. How does the presence of gravity impact the behavior of subatomic particles?

The presence of gravity can impact the behavior of subatomic particles by influencing their movement and interactions. For example, in large structures such as stars and galaxies, the gravitational force can cause particles to clump together, leading to the formation of structures like planets and galaxies.

5. Is gravity the only force that affects subatomic particles?

No, there are other fundamental forces that also affect subatomic particles, such as electromagnetism and strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces can have a stronger effect on particles than gravity, especially at the subatomic level.

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