The Borderline of
Physical Existence: the Quarks
Until 20 years ago, it was
believed that the smallest particles making
up the atoms were protons and neutrons. Yet,
most recently, it has been discovered that
there are much smaller particles in the atom
that form the abovementioned particles.
This discovery led to the
development of a branch of physics called
"Particle Physics" investigating
the "sub-particles" within the atom
and their particular movements. Research conducted
by particle physics revealed that the protons
and neutrons making up the atom are actually
formed of sub-particles called "quarks".
The dimension of the
quarks that form the proton, which is so small
as to exceed the capabilities of human imagination,
is much more astounding: 10-18 (0.000000000000000001)
metres.
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In the diagram
to left, you see four different types
of orbits made by electrons, depending
on the wave motion. Electrons follow
orbits in much the same way as the
planets move around the sun depending
on the properties of their particles.
These different motions of the electrons
prevent their precise definition.
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The quarks
inside a proton can never be pulled apart from
each other very much because the "strong
nuclear force" that is responsible for
keeping the particles inside the nucleus together
operates here as well. This force serves as
a rubber band between the quarks. As the distance
between the quarks increases, so does this force
and two quarks cannot become more distant from
each other than a quadrillionth of a metre.
These rubber bands between the quarks are formed
by gluons that possess the strong nuclear force.
The quarks and the gluons have a very strong
interaction. However, scientists have not yet
been able to discover how this interaction takes
place.
Research is
underway in the field of "Particle Physics"
to unravel the world of sub-atomic particles.
Yet, despite all the intellect, consciousness
and knowledge mankind possesses, we have only
recently been able to discover the very basic
particles forming everything, including ourselves.
Further, the more we delve into these particles,
the more detailed the subject becomes, leaving
us in the lurch at the limit of the 10-18 m
dimension of the quark. So, what lies beyond
this limit?
Today, scientists propound various hypotheses
on this subject, but as mentioned above, this
limit is the furthest point hitherto reached
in the material universe. Everything beyond
that point can only be expressed as energy,
not as matter. The really important point is
that man finds, in a location that he has only
just been able to discover with all the technological
means at his disposal, enormous balances and
the laws of physics already running like a clock.
Furthermore, this location is inside the atom,
which constitutes the building block of all
matter in the universe, as well as of human
beings.
Man has just started to become aware of the
perfect mechanism functioning without fail in
the organs and systems in his own body. His
discovery of the mechanisms of the cells forming
these structures goes back only a few decades.
The supreme creation evident in the atoms lying
at the basis of cells, the protons and neutrons
in the atoms, and the quarks in these particle
is so perfect as to stagger everyone, be him
believer or not. The basic point to be pondered
here is that all of these perfect mechanisms
run in an orderly fashion every second throughout
man's life, without any intervention by him,
and totally outside his control. It is very
self-evident fact to everyone who uses his conscience
and wisdom that all of these have been created
by Allah, Owner of superior power and knowledge,
and are governed by Him.
