Electron Splitting: What Happens When You Split It?

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    Electron Splitting
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Electrons cannot be split according to established quantum theory, as they are considered fundamental particles with no substructure. Current scientific understanding maintains that an electron retains its charge and cannot be divided into smaller components. The discussion also touched on concepts like "holons and spinons," but these do not imply that electrons can be split. Overall, the consensus is clear: splitting an electron is not possible. This highlights the fundamental nature of electrons in physics.
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What happens when you split an electron? I heard that, if you took an electron ( say it had a charge of 1 ), and you split it (how would you do this, anyway?), would the two new electrons created (if that is what happens, if not what happens?) have charges of 1/2 and 1/2 respectively?
 
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FeDeX_LaTeX said:
What happens when you split an electron? I heard that, if you took an electron ( say it had a charge of 1 ), and you split it (how would you do this, anyway?), would the two new electrons created (if that is what happens, if not what happens?) have charges of 1/2 and 1/2 respectively?

You cannot split an electron. At least not according to the very well established quantum theory of electromagnetism and electrons. As far as current scientific knowledge, the electron is not divisible.

Torquil
 
An electron has no substructure. Unlike other composite system you cannot split it.
 
Ah okay, thanks. I was just reading some article that was theorizing about "holons and spinons" (never heard of those before) which were formed from splitting electrons. But the answers that you posted have convinced me otherwise. Thanks! :)
 

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