Parton distribution functions

Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) describe how the fundamental particles, called partons (which include quarks and gluons), are distributed within a larger particle, like a proton. Just as a loaf of bread is made up of many slices, a proton is composed of these smaller constituents. PDFs provide a way to understand the likelihood of finding a specific parton carrying a certain amount of momentum during particle interactions, such as in high-energy collisions. This information is crucial in high-energy physics, helping scientists predict outcomes in experiments like those conducted at particle accelerators.