Electron-Proton Collisions

Electron-proton collisions occur when a beam of electrons is directed at protons, allowing scientists to study their internal structure. Since electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged, they attract each other, and when they collide at high energies, part of the electron's energy interacts with the proton's inner components—quarks and gluons. These collisions reveal details about the proton's makeup, helping us understand fundamental particles and forces. Experiments like those at particle accelerators (e.g., HERA) have used this process to deepen our knowledge of matter at the smallest scales.