OCR · A-Level · Physics
Course version: H556 · Version from Sept 2015
(c) classification of hadrons; proton and neutron as examples of hadrons;…
Full specification wording
Fundamental particles: (c) classification of hadrons; proton and neutron as examples of hadrons; all hadrons are subject to both the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force
Hadrons are particles that experience the strong nuclear force.
Checked against the OCR H556 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 12
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Hadrons are particles that experience the strong nuclear force. They are not fundamental; they are made of quarks. The proton and neutron are the most common examples of hadrons, specifically baryons (made of three quarks). All hadrons are subject to both the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force. In MCQs, you may be asked to classify a particle as a hadron or lepton, or to identify which forces act on hadrons. Remember that the strong force acts between quarks and between hadrons, while the weak force is responsible for beta decay and acts on quarks and leptons.
What earns the marks
- Hadrons are particles that interact via the strong nuclear force.
- Proton and neutron are examples of hadrons.
- All hadrons are subject to the strong nuclear force.
- All hadrons are subject to the weak nuclear force.
- Hadrons are composite particles made of quarks.
- Baryons (e.g. proton, neutron) are a sub-class of hadrons.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking leptons are hadrons.
Put it right: Leptons do not feel the strong force and are fundamental.
Believing hadrons only feel the strong force.
Put it right: They also feel the weak force and, if charged, the electromagnetic force.
Assuming all hadrons are baryons.
Put it right: Mesons are also hadrons but consist of a quark–antiquark pair.
Confusing the range of the strong force.
Put it right: It acts over about 10⁻¹⁵ m, within the nucleus.
Exam tips
- Learn the definition: hadrons are particles that feel the strong nuclear force.
- Remember proton and neutron as the key examples of hadrons.
- In MCQs, if a particle is made of quarks, it is a hadron.
Try the lesson
The start of the Fundamental particles: (c) classification of hadrons; proton and neutron as examples of hadrons; all hadrons are subject to both the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Listen
Hadrons are particles that experience the strong nuclear force. They are not fundamental; they are made of quarks. The proton and neutron are the most common examples of hadrons, specifically baryons (made of three quarks). All hadrons are subject to both the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force. In MCQs, you may be asked to classify a particle as a hadron or lepton, or to identify which forces act on hadrons. Remember that the strong force acts between quarks and between hadrons, while the weak force is responsible for beta decay and acts on quarks and leptons. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Hadrons are particles that interact via the strong nuclear force. Proton and neutron are examples of hadrons. All hadrons are subject to the strong nuclear force. All hadrons are subject to the weak nuclear force. Exam tip: Learn the definition: hadrons are particles that feel the strong nuclear force.
See it
Key words
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Hadrons
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Strong nuclear force
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Weak nuclear force
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Baryons
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See every definition
- Hadrons
- Particles that interact via the strong nuclear force and are composite particles made of quarks.
- Strong nuclear force
- A force that acts between quarks and between hadrons, and acts over about 10⁻¹⁵ m, within the nucleus.
- Weak nuclear force
- A force that is responsible for beta decay and acts on quarks and leptons.
- Baryons
- A sub-class of hadrons made of three quarks, with the proton and neutron as examples.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
2Box 2
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