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Given that each quark flavor has a particular electric charge (i.e., either +2/3 or -1/3): how do these charges effect the internal dynamics of hadrons? Do the attractive and repulsive effects of electromagnetism play a meaningful role in hadron dynamics (e.g., how protons (uud) and neutrons (udd) remain relatively stable), or does the strength of the strong force completely dominate these dynamics?

In other words, what is the overall role and effect of electromagnetism within (i.e., within the interior of, rather than external to) hadrons?

User Bobae
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Final answer:

While quarks within hadrons do carry electric charges that mediate electromagnetic interactions, the strong nuclear force, carried by gluons, is the predominant force maintaining hadron structure. Quarks' color charge mainly governs the strong interaction, and the electric charge has minimal influence compared to the strong force within hadrons like protons and neutrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role and Effect of Electromagnetism Within Hadrons

The electric charge of quarks affects the internal dynamics of hadrons to a certain extent; however, the strong nuclear force predominantly governs these interactions. Quarks carry electric charges of either (+2/3) e or (-1/3)e, which contributes to the electromagnetic interactions between quarks.

However, the strength and short-range property of the strong force, which acts through the exchange of gluons, overwhelmingly dominate the binding of quarks within hadrons, forming stable particles such as protons (uud) and neutrons (udd).

Despite quarks having electric charges that would suggest electromagnetic repulsion or attraction, it is the color charge of quarks, not their electric charge, that plays the crucial role in their strong interaction. Within the hadrons, the electric charge may contribute to some properties, such as the magnetic moment of the neutron, resulting from the movement of charged quarks inside it.

But when it comes down to the most influential force maintaining the integrity of the hadrons, it is the strong force that ensures their structure against the comparatively negligible electromagnetic effects

User Nicholas Sushkin
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