Science
What is a Proton? A
Discover the proton, a key particle in the atomic nucleus that defines elements and is central to new frontiers in physics and medicine.
What is it?
A proton is a stable, positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom. The number of protons determines an element's atomic number and its chemical identity. For instance, a hydrogen atom has one proton, while a helium atom has two. Protons are composed of even smaller fundamental particles called quarks—specifically, two "up" quarks and one "down" quark. These quarks are bound together by the strong nuclear force, one of the universe's fundamental forces. Along with neutrons, protons are referred to as nucleons and make up nearly all the mass of an atom.
Why is it trending?
Protons are at the forefront of modern physics research. Recent experiments are challenging long-held theories about their structure and the forces within them. Scientists have been able to map the immense forces inside a proton, revealing pressures equivalent to 10 elephants compressed into a tiny space. Other studies suggest protons might be "stretchier" than predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics, hinting that the strong force binding quarks may be different than previously understood. These cutting-edge investigations at facilities like the Large Hadron Collider push the boundaries of our knowledge about matter.
How does it affect people?
Understanding protons has profound real-world applications. In medicine, proton therapy is a highly precise form of radiation treatment for cancer. It uses beams of high-energy protons to target tumors, delivering radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which can lead to fewer side effects than traditional radiation. Additionally, as protons are a major component of cosmic radiation in deep space, studying their effects on human cells is crucial for ensuring the safety of astronauts on long-duration missions, such as those to Mars.