Particles less massive than leptons?

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In summary, scientists are constantly conducting experiments with increasing energy to discover more massive particles. However, there is also ongoing research for particles that are less massive and potentially larger than leptons, such as neutrinos. Some theories suggest the existence of even lighter mass particles, such as gravitons and photons, but these are massless and cannot be compared to massive particles like neutrinos. The concept of a point in physics is not the same as a mathematical point, and the Plank length is considered the shortest measurable length.
  • #1
granpa
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People are always smashing particles together with more and more energy searching for and finding more and more massive particles.
Have there been any searches for particles less massive (and therefore larger) than leptons?
 
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  • #2
At present the least massive (non-zero mass) known particles are neutrinos.

Your comment is a little puzzling - why would less massive particles be larger?
 
  • #4
Leptons are elementary particles and I believe that article deals with confinement of many particle systems such as the electron clouds and atomic nuclei/Quark Confinement.
 
  • #5
There are tons of people out there doing tons of experiments. Odds say some are looking for said particles. There are some theories about lighter mass particles which are being searched for (graviton, photon, etc.)
 
  • #6
Gravitons and Photons are massless so you can't compare it to a particle like a Neutrino or any other massive particle for that reason. It's like saying what's less least massive known apple? A kiwi, it's unassosciative.
 
  • #7
mathman said:
At present the least massive (non-zero mass) known particles are neutrinos.

Your comment is a little puzzling - why would less massive particles be larger?

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  • #8
I thought all elementary particles are point like, and their size is the Plank Length or around there.
 
  • #9
Constantin said:
I thought all elementary particles are point like, and their size is the Plank Length or around there.

That statement is contradictory. How can something be pointlike and at the same time be characterized by some length?
 
  • #10
Because a point in physics is not infinitely small.
Plank length is the shortest measurable length.
 
  • #11
Constantin said:
Because a point in physics is not infinitely small.
Plank length is the shortest measurable length.
Whilst the latter statement may be true, the former isn't. A point is a point. The notion of a "point" in physics is not distinct from topological notion of a point.
 
  • #12
Constantin said:
Because a point in physics is not infinitely small.

If a point is not infinitely small (zero dimensional), it's by definition not a point.
 

FAQ: Particles less massive than leptons?

1. What are particles less massive than leptons?

Particles less massive than leptons are subatomic particles that have a smaller mass than leptons, which are one of the fundamental particles that make up matter. These particles include quarks, which make up protons and neutrons, as well as other particles such as neutrinos and bosons.

2. How are particles less massive than leptons studied?

Particles less massive than leptons are studied using various experiments and techniques, such as particle accelerators and detectors. These experiments help scientists understand the properties and behavior of these particles, which can provide insights into the fundamental interactions and structure of matter.

3. Do particles less massive than leptons have any significant impact on our daily lives?

While particles less massive than leptons may not directly impact our daily lives, they play a crucial role in the functioning of the universe. These particles are responsible for the formation of atoms, which make up all matter, and are involved in various physical processes that shape our world.

4. What are some examples of particles less massive than leptons?

Some examples of particles less massive than leptons include up and down quarks, which make up protons and neutrons, electron neutrinos, which are involved in radioactive decay, and W and Z bosons, which are responsible for the weak nuclear force.

5. What is the significance of studying particles less massive than leptons?

Studying particles less massive than leptons is essential for understanding the fundamental properties of matter and the forces that govern the universe. It also has practical applications in fields such as medicine, where particle accelerators are used for cancer treatment, and technology, where particle detectors are used in various imaging and scanning techniques.

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