hadronssubatomic

Hadrons are a class of subatomic particles that are composed of quarks. The strong nuclear force binds these quarks together. The name "hadron" comes from the Greek word "hadros," meaning "thick" or "strong." Hadrons are broadly divided into two categories: baryons and mesons.

Baryons are hadrons that consist of three quarks. The most common examples of baryons are protons and neutrons, which form the nucleus of an atom. Protons are made of two up quarks and one down quark, while neutrons are composed of one up quark and two down quarks. Other baryons exist, but they are generally unstable and decay quickly.

Mesons are hadrons that are made of one quark and one antiquark. Unlike baryons, mesons are not found in atomic nuclei. They are typically produced in high-energy particle collisions. Examples of mesons include pions and kaons. Mesons are also unstable and decay rapidly.

The properties of hadrons, such as their mass, charge, and spin, are determined by the types of quarks they contain and how they are bound by the strong force. The study of hadrons is a fundamental part of particle physics, helping scientists understand the nature of matter and the forces that govern it.