The Neutron-Proton Mass Difference

Author: Speisman, Gerald

Year: 1955

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisors: Feynman, Richard Phillips; Christy, Robert F.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics; Mathematics

DOI: 10.7907/SSHW-9C33

Abstract

NOTE: Text or symbols not renderable in plain ASCII are indicated by [...]. Abstract is included in .pdf document.

It is proposed than the neutron-proton and [...] mass differences are produced by the electromagnetic field. In order to make the quantum electrodynamic mass corrections convergent, it is necessary to cut off the photon propagation function and the anomalous moment interaction of the neutron and proton for high virtual proton masses. The cutoff masses required to give the observed mass differences are of the order of the proton mass. These cutoffs are in agreement with the relatively small changes nucleon moments appear to undergo when nucleons form nuclei, and with experiments on electron-neutron and electron-proton scattering. A classical interpretation of the neutron-proton mass difference is discussed. A justification of the quantum electrodynamic calculation based on quantum field theory is also given.

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