Based on the quark composition of a neutron, show that is charge is 0 .

Short Answer

Expert verified
The neutron consists of one up quark with charge \(+\frac{2}{3}\) and two down quarks each with charge \(-\frac{1}{3}\). The overall charge of a neutron is calculated by summing the charges of its constituent quarks: \(+\frac{2}{3} -\frac{1}{3} -\frac{1}{3}\) = \(\frac{2 - 1 - 1}{3}\) = \(\frac{0}{3}\). Thus, the charge of a neutron is 0, confirming its neutrality.

Step by step solution

01

1. Determine the charge of quarks present in neutron

The neutron has one up quark and two down quarks. The up quark has a charge of \(+\frac{2}{3}\), and each down quark has a charge of \(-\frac{1}{3}\).
02

2. Calculate the overall charge of the neutron

Now, we need to find the overall charge of the neutron by summing the charges of its constituent quarks: Neutron Charge = (Charge of up quark) + (Charge of 1st down quark) + (Charge of 2nd down quark)
03

3. Substitute the charges of quarks and evaluate the sum

Replace the charges of the quarks in the equation: Neutron Charge = \(+\frac{2}{3} -\frac{1}{3} -\frac{1}{3}\) Now, perform the calculation: Neutron Charge = \(\frac{2}{3} -\frac{1}{3} -\frac{1}{3}\) = \(\frac{2 - 1 - 1}{3}\) = \(\frac{0}{3}\)
04

4. Conclude the result

The overall charge of the neutron is 0, as shown by the quark composition and the calculation. This demonstrates that a neutron is a neutral particle in terms of its electric charge.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free