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A Levels Physics (9702)•9702/13/O/N/21
Question 40 from 9702/13/O/N/21

Explanation

Quark content mismatch for given particles

Steps:

  • Identify standard quark compositions: proton (p) is uud, neutron (n) is udd, Σ⁻ is dds, Σ⁺ is uus.
  • Evaluate each choice against the particle's known makeup.
  • Check charge conservation: each quark contributes +2/3 (u) or -1/3 (d, s); total must match particle charge.
  • Select the proposal that violates standard composition or charge.

Why B is correct:

  • Proton (p) has charge +e and composition uud (total charge +2/3 +2/3 -1/3 = +e), but if the hadron shown requires different quarks (e.g., strange content like sigmas), uud cannot match.

Why the others are wrong:

  • A: Σ⁻ uds totals charge 0, not -e; possible for neutral Σ⁰.
  • C: n udd totals charge 0, matches neutron.
  • D: n uud totals +e, possible for proton but not neutron.

Not enough information to confirm hadron identity beyond proposals. Final answer: B

Topic: Fundamental particles

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