Inside the Proton, the ‘Most Complicated Thing’ Imaginable | Quanta Magazine

The Nugget

Physicists have been uncovering the complex and mysterious nature of the proton, revealing that it is far more intricate than originally thought, with unexpected particles like charm quarks playing a role in its makeup.

Key quotes

"This is the most complicated thing that you could possibly imagine." - Mike Williams
"The proton 'has been humbling to humans.' 'Every time you think you kind of have a handle on it, it throws you some curveballs.'" - Mike Williams
"The proton sometimes includes a charm quark and charm antiquark, colossal particles that are each heavier than the proton itself." - Samuel Velasco/Quanta Magazine
"We’ve incorporated their animations into our own attempt to unveil its secrets." - Authors Charlie Wood and Merrill Sherman
"Physicists have carried out hundreds of scattering experiments to date." - Xiaochao Zheng

Physicists have been studying the proton for over a century, revealing that it is a far more complex entity than initially thought.
High school descriptions of the proton as a single, positively charged particle have given way to a deeper understanding that involves quarks and a sea of probabilities.

The discovery of quarks within the proton through experiments like deep inelastic scattering has shattered the notion of the proton as a simple particle.
Advanced experiments with higher-energy colliders have allowed scientists to delve deeper into the proton's structure, revealing a world of quarks, antiquarks, and gluons.

Recent research has unveiled the presence of charm quarks within the proton, particles that add to the already complex composition of this fundamental building block of matter.
The detection of charm quarks in gentler collisions has opened up new possibilities for understanding the proton's behavior and interactions.

🧐 Protons are way more than just "featureless balls" – they are a complex dance of quarks, antiquarks, and gluons.
🌌 Just when you think you understand the proton, it surprises you with particles like charm quarks, adding layers to its mysterious nature.
🎢 Dive into the world of particle physics and discover the mind-boggling complexity of the proton and the secrets it holds within.
🔄 Remember, the proton isn't just a simple particle – it's a quantum mechanical enigma waiting to be fully unraveled by physicists.

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.