What Is a Quark? Proton Composition & Size

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In summary, the conversation discusses the properties of quarks and their relation to protons. It is mentioned that a proton is made of two up quarks and one down quark, and that a quark is not bigger than a proton. It is also mentioned that a quark is not the smallest subatomic particle and that its size and mass are determined by Higgs particles and gravitons. The conversation also brings up the topic of the Higgs boson and its role in determining mass. Overall, it is stated that the properties of particles are still being discovered and understood.
  • #1
Eridanus1
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Is it true you have 3 quarks that make up a proton...but one quark is bigger than a proton? How come?

Can it be said that a quark is the smallest size that a sub-atomic particle can ever be broken down to? :smile:
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure what r u laughing for??

A proton is made of 2 up quarks and one down(uud), and a quark isn't bigger than a proton...

A quark isn't the smallest sub atomic particle...

Here some link that might be usefull...
http://particleadventure.org/particleadventure/frameless/atom_fund.html

Just click on the enxt arrow in the upper right corner of the page to proceed...
 
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  • #3
You might be confusing mass with size. It's true that the later quark generations are heavier than a proton, the top quark is even as heavy as a gold atom!
 
  • #4
Eridanus1 said:
Is it true you have 3 quarks that make up a proton...but one quark is bigger than a proton? How come?
Can it be said that a quark is the smallest size that a sub-atomic particle can ever be broken down to? :smile:

NO actually quark possesses the partial charges only some how the masses and sizes are being determined by the "Higg's particles" and the gravitation by the "gravitons". So, it can be predicted that eavh fundamental property is being possessed by its own corresponding fundamental PARTICLE. Somehow, their discoveries are yet running...

If anyone thinks that I'm having any misconfusion for this funda please clear me the system of particle.
 
  • #5
We assume that these particles are one dimensional point like particles. So size and mass is not an appropriate word for them. And the higgs boson is still haven't been found yet. It is hypothesized that the higgs boson acts as a messenger particle to show mass.
 
  • #6
Of course if quarks are lighter than protons, then Compton Length is greater. But this was not a "paradox" about quarks, it already happens with the electron at rest: its Compton Length is a lot greater than the one of a proton at rest.
 

FAQ: What Is a Quark? Proton Composition & Size

1. What is a quark?

A quark is a fundamental particle that makes up the building blocks of matter. It is one of the smallest known particles and is a key component of protons and neutrons.

2. How many types of quarks are there?

There are six known types of quarks: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom. These are also referred to as flavors.

3. What is the composition of a proton?

A proton is composed of two up quarks and one down quark. The up quark has a positive charge, while the down quark has a negative charge, giving the proton an overall positive charge.

4. How big is a quark?

Quarks are incredibly small, with a diameter estimated to be less than 0.0000000000000001 meters. This makes them difficult to observe directly.

5. Can quarks exist independently?

No, quarks are always found in groups of two or three, forming larger particles like protons and neutrons. They cannot exist independently due to the strong force that binds them together.

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