'We’re witnessing a period of discovery similar to the 1950s.'
Quarks are subatomic "elementary particles," believed to be the fundamental building blocks of matter. Typically found in combinations of two to three quarks called hadrons, they're more rarely found in groups of up to four or five, or tetraquarks and pentaquarks."Exotic" quarks like these tend to be composed of what's called a charm quark and a charm antiquark. The remaining quarks are either up, down, or strange quarks/antiquarks.
This newly observed pentaquark, however, is made up of a charm quark, charm antiquark, an up and down quark, and — bear with the terminology here — a strange quark. This is the first time a strange quark as been found in a pentaquark, according to CERN. As for the tetraquark, it's unique not only because it's the first to be found in a pair, but also that it's doubly electrically charged.
Now, scientists collaborating in the LHCb experiment continue to add to the Large Hadron Collider's already impressive legacy.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Smashing Particles at Near-Light Speed: A Visual Guide to the Large Hadron ColliderA global effort to gain a more complete understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe resumed this week, as the world’s largest particle collider restarted scientific operations after a three-year hiatus. Here’s how it works.
Read more »
The CERN Large Hadron Collider was rebooted and is already discovering exotic particlesThe physics lab that’s home to the world’s largest atom smasher has announced the observation of three new “exotic particles” that could provide clues to the force that binds subatomic particles together.
Read more »
As the Large Hadron Collider comes back to life, UT physicists hope to uncover more of the universe’s secretsThe Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, came back online after a 3-year break. UT's Peter Onyisi is among the many scientists who rely on the LHC to perform research into the nature of the universe. | via TexasStandard
Read more »
Large Texas abortion provider will relocate to New MexicoOne of the largest abortion providers in Texas is leaving the state. Whole Woman's Health will move its offices just across the state line in New Mexico.
Read more »
Southern fin whales have recovered to large numbers in the AntarcticAerial surveys have found groups of up to 150 fin whales feeding near Antarctica, a sign that populations have bounced back since since the 1976 ban on hunting these whales
Read more »