Quarks are smaller then electrons? Are they real or virtual?

[Pakbabydoll]

Quarks are smaller then electrons?
I read that when a electron moves from a higher energy level orbit to a lower energy level orbit it emits a "real" quark... So are other quarks virtual?

 

[waht]

An electron emits a photon when transitions between energy levels. A virtual photon is a force carrier for the electromagnetic field.

 

[denian]

I can provide some clarification on this topic. Quarks are indeed smaller than electrons, with an estimated size of about 10^-18 meters compared to the size of an electron at about 10^-15 meters. However, it is important to note that the size of a particle is not the only determining factor of its physical properties.

In terms of whether quarks are real or virtual, the answer is not straightforward. Quarks are considered real particles in the sense that they have mass, spin, and other measurable properties. However, they cannot exist as isolated particles due to a phenomenon known as color confinement. This means that quarks are always found in composite particles, such as protons and neutrons.

The concept of virtual particles, on the other hand, is a theoretical concept used in quantum field theory to explain certain phenomena. These particles are not directly observable, but their effects can be observed. In the case of electrons emitting quarks, this can be explained by the exchange of virtual particles, such as gluons, which mediate the strong force between quarks.

In conclusion, quarks are indeed smaller than electrons and are considered real particles, but their behavior and interactions are complex and can involve the concept of virtual particles.