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Theoretical investigations show that strange quark matter (SQM), which is composed of u, d, and s quarks, might be absolutely stable [1, 2, 3]. Because small lumps of SQM, the so called strangelets, could be produced in modern relativistic heavy-ion collision experiments, their charge property has attracted a lot of interest [4]. Originally, SQMis believed to show up with some small positive charge [2]. In June 1997, however, Schaffner- Bielich et al. demonstrated that strangelets are most
likely heavily negatively charged [5]. In June 1999, it was shown that negative charge can lower the critical density of SQM [6]. In July 1999, Wilczek mentioned an “ice- 9”-type transition [7], which was picked up by a British newspaper.
We have argued that the experiments at RHIC do not represent a threat to our planet. But, is this “beyond the shadow of a doubt”?Considerations analogous to ours have been made for other questionably dangerous physical possibilities, such as the production of black holes or the trigger of a reaction whereby the vacuum in which we are
would be catastrophically converted into a “true” vacuum of lower energy density [22].
In these cases one is dealing with relatively simple theoretical constructs and one can draw conclusions that are correspondingly uncontroversial. In thecase of strangelets,
we are dealing with the properties of an incompletely understood hypothetical form of nuclear matter.
It is always possible to come up with an “ad hoc” hypothesis and invalidate any arguments. In the case at hand, it would suffice to assume that strangelets are stable only for masses smaller than the mass of the Earth, so that the conversion process to strange quark matter is eventually stopped. Even if all stars contained a
stable Earth-mass strange core, it would not be easy to tell. To have the upper limit of strangelet stability at a mass comparable to that of the Earth, it is necessary to tune the parameters of the underlying theory to a relative precision ǫof the order ofthe ratio of a typical nuclear binding energy to the rest energy of the Earth, ǫ∼10−49. The a priori probability for the parameters to be so fine-tuned is of order ǫ.
This givesan idea of how exceedingly ad hoc any hypothesis of this kind would have to be. We conclude that, beyond reasonable doubt, heavy-ion experiments at RHIC will not endanger our planet.
They want to know about the big bang, hell they may create one.
Originally posted by 13579
reply to post by DangerDeath
Ironic is it not lol
2nd line
Learn about it be for you post about it, then read my posts
Originally posted by DangerDeath
Bosons are particles which occupy the same space at the same time - also must be metaphysical by (this) definition. Otherwise, they are not particles.