Structure Functions

Structure functions are mathematical tools used in physics, especially in the study of materials and particles, to understand how complex systems behave at different scales. They analyze variations and correlations within a system to reveal internal patterns and properties. Imagine examining a textured surface; structure functions help quantify how rough or smooth it is at various sizes by measuring differences across scales. In particle physics, they describe how particles like protons are composed by revealing how their internal constituents (like quarks) are distributed and interact, providing insight into the fundamental structure of matter.