Has the Proton:Electron Mass Ratio Been Solved Yet?

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In summary, the "Proton:Electron mass ratio" is a physical constant that represents the ratio of the mass of a proton to the mass of an electron. It plays a crucial role in many areas of physics and is measured using a mass spectrometer. The ratio is constant, but the masses of protons and electrons can vary slightly in different environments. It is also related to other fundamental constants and is used in various calculations.
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Von Neumann
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Reading my old copy (3rd edition) of H&R's Fundamentals of Physics and it states that no theory can predict the value of the proton:electron mass ratio to date, and that it's a "sure-fire" Nobel Prize problem. Has this been resolved yet? Can't find anything on the web.

Thanks in advance.
 
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No it hasn't. None of the masses of any of the fundamental particles are currently explained by theory.
 
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FAQ: Has the Proton:Electron Mass Ratio Been Solved Yet?

What is the "Proton:Electron mass ratio"?

The "Proton:Electron mass ratio" is a physical constant that represents the ratio of the mass of a proton to the mass of an electron. It is denoted as mp/me and has a value of approximately 1,836.15267389.

What is the significance of the "Proton:Electron mass ratio"?

The "Proton:Electron mass ratio" is a fundamental constant that plays a crucial role in many areas of physics, including atomic and nuclear physics, cosmology, and particle physics. It is used to understand the structure of atoms, the behavior of particles, and the formation and evolution of the universe.

How is the "Proton:Electron mass ratio" measured?

The "Proton:Electron mass ratio" is measured using a mass spectrometer, which separates particles based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The ratio is then calculated by comparing the masses of protons and electrons.

How does the "Proton:Electron mass ratio" vary in different environments?

The "Proton:Electron mass ratio" is a constant and does not vary in different environments. However, the masses of protons and electrons can vary slightly due to factors such as temperature and pressure.

What is the relationship between the "Proton:Electron mass ratio" and other fundamental constants?

The "Proton:Electron mass ratio" is related to other fundamental constants, such as the fine-structure constant and the gravitational constant. It is also used in the calculation of other important values, such as the Rydberg constant and the Compton wavelength of the electron.

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