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Quark Research
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Question:
Are there more quarks since January, 1995?
Are scientists still seeking more quarks?
---Mary
Replies:
Well, the number of quarks does not change, just our knowledge
about what that number really is. That is, the number of different
TYPES of quarks does not change - of course individual quarks can
come and go. But yes, it was recently announced that experiments
have confirmed the existence of the top quark, which has been
expected and looked for probably almost 20 years now.
Most theorists think that is it, but there could possibly be
even heavier ones we have no knowledge of as yet. The total number
of different types of quarks is then 6. Actually, counting
antiquarks and quarks of the (3) allowed colors, the real
total number of different kinds of quarks is 36.
And yes, people always continue to look for new things, so the
possibility of more quarks is definitely being investigated
as far as is possible.
Arthur Smith
Yes research continues in the area of high energy physics/
particle physics
not to long ago at Fermilab a run showed more data experimentally
with respect to Z-top or the top quark,.... more work needs to be
done here , since the mass of the particle was uniquely high, further
work continues here of course as well as work related to the quest for
the Higgs Boson. But there is continued work on all particles and areas
of particle physics, the greater understanding we have in this area brings
us to a better understanding of our world.
Harry
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Update: June 2012
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