Physicists think they've resolved the proton size puzzle
3 hours ago
- #quantum mechanics
- #proton radius puzzle
- #atomic physics
- Recent experimental measurements indicate a smaller proton radius, resolving a 15-year debate among physicists.
- The discrepancy between earlier measurements hinted at new physics, but new evidence supports the smaller radius.
- Quantum mechanics describes electrons as waves in superposition, not orbiting nuclei like the Bohr model suggests.
- Protons, composed of three quarks, are 'fuzzy' clouds with a radius defined by charge density thresholds.
- Proton radius is measured via electron scattering or spectroscopy, such as observing the Lamb shift in atomic energy levels.