It is now believed that protons and neut | Class 12 Physics Chapter Electric Charges and Field, Electric Charges and Field NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 1 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter Electric Charges and Field. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 31:

It is now believed that protons and neutrons (which constitute nuclei of ordinary matter) are themselves built out of more elementary units called quarks. A proton and a neutron consist of three quarks each. Two types of quarks, the so called ‘up’ quark (denoted by u) of charge (+2/3) e, and the ‘down’ quark (denoted by d) of charge (−1/3) e, together with electrons build up ordinary matter. (Quarks of other types have also been found which give rise to different unusual varieties of matter.) Suggest a possible quark composition of a proton and neutron.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 31:

It is now believed that protons and neutrons (which constitute nuclei of ordinary matter) are themselves built out of more elementary units called quarks. A proton and a neutron consist of three quarks each. Two types of quarks, the so called ‘up’ quark (denoted by u) of charge (+2/3) e, and the ‘down’ quark (denoted by d) of charge (−1/3) e, together with electrons build up ordinary matter. (Quarks of other types have also been found which give rise to different unusual varieties of matter.) Suggest a possible quark composition of a proton and neutron.

Answer:

A proton has three quarks. Let there be n up quarks in a proton, each having a charge of (+2/3) e.

Charge due to n up quarks = (2/3 e) n

Number of down quarks in a proton = 3 − n 

Each down quark has a charge of - 1/3e 

Charge due to (3 − n) down quarks = (-1/3 e) (3-n)

Total charge on a proton = + e

Therefore, e = (2/3 e) n + (- 1/3 e) (3-n)

⇒ e = 2ne/3 - e + ne/3

⇒ 2e = ne ⇒ n = 2

Number of up quarks in a proton, n = 2

Number of down quarks in a proton = 3 − n = 3 − 2 = 1

Therefore, a proton can be represented as ‘uud’.

A neutron also has three quarks. Let there be n up quarks in a neutron.

Charge on a neutron due to n up quarks = (+ 2/3 e) n

Number of down quarks is 3 − n, and each having a charge of - 1/3 e.

Charge on a neutron due to (3 – n) down quarks = (- 1/3 e) (3-n)

Total charge on a neutron = 0

Therefore, 0 = (2/3 e) n + (-1/3 e) (3-n)

⇒ 0 = 2ne/3 - e + ne/3

⇒ e = ne ⇒ n = 1

Number of up quarks in a neutron, n = 1

Number of down quarks in a neutron = 3 − n = 2

Therefore, a neutron can be represented as ‘udd’.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Electric Charges and Field.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

How to Return to Work After a Career Break: Skills, Jobs and Preparation in 2026

It’s not about starting over if you took a break to care for children, take care of yourself, be healthy or for any other reason. This is a realistic strategy for the recovery of skills, selection of the right job, and overcoming the resume problem. One year, three years or 10 years of a career … Read more

Read More

Best Career Options After Class 12 for Average Students in 2026

There’s no need to score 95% or achieve a JEE/NEET rank. You don’t need to score 95% or rank in JEE/NEET to build a solid career. A candid and pragmatic guide to the routes that actually work for students who have an average mark and what to do when faced with the options. ​ If … Read more

Read More

Coaching vs Self-Study: Which is Best in 2026 for Competitive Exams?

AI tools, online platforms that are much cheaper than coaching centres and the changing idea of what “structure” even means have upended this argument more in the past two years than in the decade preceding it. Here’s what is really the case for 2026 – and what has actually stayed the same. If you look … Read more

Read More

Career Change After 30: How to Transition from Non-Tech to IT or Data Science

Starting to make a new career after 30 isn’t a start from scratch. Marketing, teaching, financial, retail, healthcare, sales and other professionals can pursue careers in technology by applying the existing knowledge and skills they have acquired to new technology skills. There are various ways to enter the technology industry, such as in IT support, … Read more

Read More

Related Student Tools

Comments

  • Harshil sharma
  • Mar 13, 2019

Why did come 'uud' and 'udd' in this answer?


Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 31: It is now believed that protons and neutrons (which constitute nuclei of ordinary matter) are themse....

Ask a Question
Keep learning

Discover More on SaralStudy

Explore all articles