Physicists have discovered that the force within a proton is equivalent to that of ten compressed elephants.

Subatomic particles known as protons form the foundation of all matter, yet their internal structure remains one of the most intricate puzzles in physics. To uncover the forces within a proton, scientists employed a computational technique called lattice quantum chromodynamics. This resulted in the creation of a map detailing the interactions of quarks inside the proton and the forces that keep them together, ensuring the proton remains intact. The study was published in the journal Physical Review Letters, as reported by Interesting Engineering.

Protons, which are one of the components of atomic nuclei, are made up of smaller particles called quarks. The strong interaction, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, is responsible for holding the quarks together. However, this force is so powerful and acts at such tiny scales that traditional experimental methods struggle to measure it directly.

Given that protons play a crucial role in atomic nuclei, it is vital to understand the strong interactions within these subatomic particles. This knowledge could enhance various theoretical physics models and improve the accuracy of high-energy experiments.

Rather than attempting to observe these particles directly, which is extremely challenging, physicists created a virtual lattice, breaking space and time into small discrete points. This lattice allowed scientists to apply complex equations that model how quarks interact within the proton through the strong interaction. The simulations ultimately led to the development of a map that illustrated the forces at play inside the proton.

According to physicists, even at such minuscule scales, the forces involved are incredibly powerful, reaching up to 500,000 Newtons, which is equivalent to about 10 elephants compressed into a space much smaller than an atomic nucleus.

Understanding the internal dynamics of protons is crucial for advancing knowledge in nuclear physics and particle physics. The authors of the new study have made significant progress toward fully comprehending the forces that keep the proton intact.

In the future, discoveries based on the results of this research could contribute to the development of more efficient nuclear reactors, new materials, and even effective cancer treatment strategies. For instance, proton therapy, a form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy protons to destroy tumors, may benefit from a deeper understanding of proton behavior.