Physics:Quantum particles/quark

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Short description: Elementary particle that forms protons and neutrons


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A quark is a fundamental particle that combines with other quarks to form composite particles such as protons and neutrons. Quarks are among the basic building blocks of matter.

File:Quark structure.png

Protons and neutrons are composed of quarks bound by the strong interaction.

Description

Quarks interact through the strong interaction and are always found bound together in larger particles. They combine in groups to form hadrons, such as protons and neutrons, which make up atomic nuclei.

Quarks are not observed as isolated particles due to a property known as confinement.

Properties

  • fractional electric charge
  • participate in strong interaction
  • combine to form hadrons

See also

Table of contents (175 articles)

Index

Full contents

14. Plasma and fusion physics (8)

References


Author: Harold Foppele