Protonoldhatóság

Protonoldhatóság refers to the hypothetical scenario where the proton, a fundamental particle in atomic nuclei, might decay into lighter particles. Current understanding of particle physics, as described by the Standard Model, suggests that protons are incredibly stable. However, some Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) propose that protons could have a very long but finite lifespan.

The theoretical concept of proton decay is a consequence of GUTs, which aim to unify the fundamental forces of nature, including the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and the electromagnetic force. In these theories, at extremely high energies, these forces are predicted to merge. This unification could allow for interactions that would violate baryon number conservation, a principle that currently dictates that the total number of baryons (like protons) remains constant.

Experimental searches for proton decay have been ongoing for decades. These experiments typically involve very large detectors placed deep underground to shield them from cosmic rays, which could mimic the signal of a proton decay event. So far, no definitive evidence of proton decay has been observed. The lack of evidence has set stringent lower limits on the proton's lifetime, with current experiments suggesting it is at least 10^34 years. If protons do decay, their lifetime is exceptionally long, far exceeding the age of the universe.