The Quanta Podcast Swirling Forces, Crushing Pressures Measured in the Proton
Aug 21, 2024
Recent experiments using light to mimic gravity are uncovering new details about protons, presenting them as complex subatomic entities. Innovative methods reveal the intricate dance of forces, energies, and pressures within these particles. Photon collisions are shedding light on gravitational properties, challenging old theories, and enhancing our understanding of quark arrangements. These discoveries could significantly reshape our insights into proton stability and the fundamental makeup of matter.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Proton Exploration
- Physicists are exploring the proton's interior, revealing new details about its structure.
- They found intense pressures at its core, clashing forces, and a smaller size than previously thought.
Gravitational Mapping
- Scientists are mapping the proton's gravitational influence by using photons to mimic gravitons.
- This new method reveals the distribution of energies, pressures, and shear stresses within the proton.
Proton Structure
- Physicists have learned about the proton's electric charge and quark composition through electron scattering.
- Quantum theory reveals a complex internal structure with quarks, gluons, and the strong force.