Particle Zoo: How Do Particles Sense Each Other?

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In summary, during a lecture on the particle zoo in astronomy, the professor explained how particles interact with each other through the emission of photons. However, a student asked how particles can differentiate between photons emitted by electrons and protons. The professor did not have a clear answer, but it is understood from classical electrodynamics that the electromagnetic fields from positive and negative charges differ by a sign.
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travwg33
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I just went to an astronomy this past week and one the lectures pertained to the particle zoo.
As the professor began the lecture, he quickly covered the basics and eventually went into explaining how electrons and protons "sensed" the presence of other particles. To do so particles emit photons as I understand and particles around say an electron act accordingly i.e. protons are attracted and electrons repelled.
One student brought up what I thought was a good question: How do particles differentiate the difference between a photon emitted from an electron or proton so that they can act accordingly? The professor didn;t really have an answer for this.
 
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A photon is nothing but a state of electromagnetic field. You should understand from CLASSICAL electrodynamics that electromagnetic fields from positive and negative charges differ by a sign.
 

FAQ: Particle Zoo: How Do Particles Sense Each Other?

What is the Particle Zoo?

The Particle Zoo is a concept in particle physics that refers to the wide variety of subatomic particles that exist in the universe. These particles include fundamental particles, such as quarks and leptons, as well as composite particles, such as protons and neutrons.

How do particles sense each other?

Particles interact with each other through fundamental forces, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces allow particles to attract or repel each other and influence their behavior and movement.

What is the role of the Higgs boson in particle sensing?

The Higgs boson is a fundamental particle that gives mass to other particles through the Higgs mechanism. This means that the Higgs boson is responsible for the way particles interact with the Higgs field, which in turn affects their mass and how they sense each other.

How do scientists study particles and their interactions?

Scientists use large particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider, to accelerate particles to high speeds and collide them together. By observing the particles produced from these collisions, scientists can study their properties and interactions.

Why is understanding particle sensing important?

Understanding particle sensing is crucial for understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe and how they interact with each other. This knowledge can also lead to advancements in technology, such as in the fields of medicine and energy production.

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