baryon

Thân thiện

A scientist points to a diagram of a baryon on a classroom whiteboard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A subatomic particle: A baryon is a type of elementary particle characterized by being a composite particle made of three quarks. It is a category of hadron (particles that interact via the strong nuclear force) with a specific baryon number of +1. Baryons have a mass equal to or greater than that of a proton, which is the most familiar stable baryon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The proton and the neutron are the two most common and stable baryons found in an atomic nucleus.
  • Scientists study baryons to understand the strong force that holds atomic nuclei together.

Advanced Usage

• In particle physics: The term "baryon" is used to classify particles based on their quark composition and baryon number, distinguishing them from mesons (which are hadrons made of a quark and an antiquark).
  • The conservation of baryon number is a fundamental principle in particle physics.

Variants and Related Words

• Baryonic (adj): Relating to or consisting of baryons.
  • Baryonic matter constitutes the stars, planets, and all visible objects in the universe.
• Baryon number (n): A quantum number representing the number of baryons in a system minus the number of antibaryons.

Synonyms

• Heavy hadron: (In a general, descriptive sense, as baryons are the more massive class of hadrons compared to mesons).

Related Terms and Concepts

• Hadron: The broader family of particles that interact via the strong force, which includes both baryons and mesons.
• Quark: The fundamental constituent particles that combine to form baryons (e.g., three quarks) and other hadrons.
• Proton: A stable, positively charged baryon.
• Neutron: A stable, neutral baryon.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of the elementary particles having a mass equal to or greater than that of a proton and that participate in strong interactions; a hadron with a baryon number of +1

Từ đồng nghĩa

• heavy particle