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Chapter 39: Problem 3

Which of the following formed latest in the universe? a) quarks b) protons and neutrons c) hydrogen atoms d) helium nuclei e) gluons

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: c) Hydrogen atoms

Step by step solution

01

Understand the chronology of particle formation in the early universe

In the very early stages of the universe, it underwent several phases as it cooled down. The Planck epoch, the briefest and earliest phase of the universe, was characterized by extremely high temperatures and energy levels. During this time, all the fundamental forces were combined, and particles like quarks and gluons were present. As the universe expanded and cooled, these particles combined to form protons and neutrons, which eventually combined to form atomic nuclei like hydrogen and helium.
02

Analyze the order in which the given particles formed

Based on our understanding of the early universe, it's now possible to arrange the given particles in a chronological order: 1. Quarks and gluons formed first, during the Planck epoch and the quark-gluon plasma phase. 2. Protons and neutrons formed as the universe cooled down further. 3. Helium nuclei formed through successive nucleosynthesis processes. 4. Hydrogen atoms formed during the recombination epoch when electrons and atomic nuclei combined to form neutral atoms.
03

Choose the latest particle formed

The latest particle to form in the list is the hydrogen atom (c), as it was formed last, during the recombination epoch. So, our answer is: c) Hydrogen atoms

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Determine the classical differential cross section for Rutherford scattering of alpha particles of energy \(5.00 \mathrm{MeV}\) projected at uranium atoms at an angle of \(35.0^{\circ}\) from the initial direction. Assume point charges for both the target and the projectile atoms.

Does the proposed decay \(n \rightarrow p+\pi^{-}\) violate any conservation rules?

In a positron annihilation experiment, positrons are directed toward a material such as a metal. What are we likely to observe in such an experiment, and how might it provide information about the momentum of electrons in the metal?

A proton and neutron interact via the strong nuclear force. Their interaction is mediated by a particle called a meson, much like the interaction between charged particles is mediated by photons-the particles of the electromagnetic field. a) Perform a rough estimate of the mass of the meson from the uncertainty principle and the known dimensions of a nucleus \(\left(\sim 10^{-15} \mathrm{~m}\right)\). Assume the meson travels at relativistic speed. b) Use a line of reasoning similar to the one in part (a) to prove that the theoretically expected rest mass of the photon is zero. \(.\)

If the energy of the virtual photon mediating an electronproton scattering, \(e^{-}+p \rightarrow e^{-}+p\), is given by \(E\), what is the range of this electromagnetic interaction in terms of \(E ?\)
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