We Are Condensed Energy

Quarks are bound together by gluons, the carriers of the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in physics.

This force is incredibly powerful, and its energy contributes significantly to the mass of protons and neutrons, as described by Einstein’s equation.

Surprisingly, the mass of quarks themselves accounts for only a small fraction of the mass of protons and neutrons. Most of the mass arises from the dynamic energy of the gluons and the kinetic and potential energy of quarks as they interact.

This intricate balance of forces and energy within the atomic nucleus is fundamental to the structure of matter in the universe.