Question

Which one of the following baryons has strangeness quantum number \( S = -1 \)?

• A. \( \Sigma^{0} \)
• B. \( n \)
• C. \( \Xi^{0} \)
• D. \( \Delta^0 \)

Hint:

The strangeness quantum number is determined by the number of strange quarks in a particle. For \( \Sigma^{0} \), there is one strange quark, making the strangeness \( S = -1 \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

1. The strangeness quantum number \( S \) represents the number of strange quarks in a particle. It is defined as:
\[ S = -\text{(number of strange quarks)} \]

2. Let's examine the given options:
\( \Sigma^{0} \): This particle consists of one up quark, one down quark, and one strange quark (\( u d s \)). The strangeness quantum number for this particle is \( S = -1 \), as it contains one strange quark.
\( n \): This particle is composed of one up quark and two down quarks (\( u d d \)). The strangeness quantum number is \( S = 0 \), as there are no strange quarks.
\( \Xi^{0} \): This particle consists of one up quark and two strange quarks (\( u s s \)). The strangeness quantum number is \( S = -2 \), as there are two strange quarks.
\( \Delta^0 \): This particle consists of one up quark and two down quarks (\( u d d \)). It contains no strange quarks, so \( S = 0 \).

3. Conclusion:
From the above analysis, the correct particle with a strangeness quantum number \( S = -1 \) is \( \Sigma^{0} \).