baryon number (C2)
noun
Pronunciation: ˈbæriɒn ˈnʌmbər
Definition
A quantum number representing the net count of baryons minus antibaryons in a particle system.
Examples
Protons and neutrons each have a baryon number of positive one.
The conservation of baryon number explains why a single proton cannot simply decay into lighter particles without violating physical laws.
How to Use baryon number
- conserve baryon number (collocation)
- the physical principle that the total value remains constant — "Standard model interactions must conserve baryon number."
- assign a baryon number (collocation)
- to give a specific value to a particle — "Physicists assign a baryon number of zero to leptons."
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary