Unexpected Correlation Helps Experimenters Free Neutrons (IMAGE)

DOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility

Unexpected Correlation Helps Experimenters Free Neutrons

Caption

Some experiments seem to show that the building blocks of protons and neutrons inside a nucleus are somehow different from that of free ones (the EMC Effect). Other experiments show they behave differently when they pair up (Short-Range Correlations): they move faster and frequently overlap. Combining the data from experiments addressing these two effects, nuclear physicists showed that the two were connected. This connection has allowed scientists, for the first time, to extract information through experimentation about the internal structure of free neutrons, without the assistance of a theoretical model.

Credit

DOE's Jefferson Lab

Usage Restrictions

If you use this image, it is requested that you credit The Department of Energy's Jefferson Lab as the source.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.