Quarks

Definition

Quarks are elementary particles that combine to form hadrons, such as protons and neutrons. They possess fractional electric charges and come in six flavors: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quarks are never found in isolation due to a phenomenon known as color confinement; they always exist within larger particles like protons and neutrons.
2. There are six flavors of quarks: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom.
3. Quarks have fractional electric charges of either +2/3 or -1/3.
4. Protons are composed of two up quarks and one down quark (uud), while neutrons consist of one up quark and two down quarks (udd).
5. The strong force is responsible for binding quarks together within hadrons.

Review Questions

• What are the six flavors of quarks?
• Why can't quarks be found in isolation?
• What combination of quarks makes up a proton?

Related terms

Hadron: Composite particles made of quarks bound together by the strong force. Examples include protons and neutrons.

Color Confinement: The phenomenon where quarks cannot be isolated individually but must always exist within larger particles.

Strong Force: The fundamental force responsible for holding quarks together inside hadrons.