If a very large force is applied to a proton and a neutron, such as in high-energy particle collisions, their behavior is governed by the fundamental interactions in particle physics.
Protons and neutrons are not considered as elementary particles but are composed of smaller particles called quarks. Protons consist of two up quarks and one down quark, while neutrons consist of two down quarks and one up quark. These quarks are held together by the strong nuclear force mediated by particles called gluons.
Under extremely high energies or temperatures, it is possible to probe the internal structure of protons and neutrons. This is done in experiments such as deep inelastic scattering, where high-energy particles are scattered off the proton or neutron.
When protons and neutrons are subjected to such extreme conditions, the high-energy particles can interact with the quarks inside the proton or neutron and impart sufficient energy to break up the composite particles. This process is known as quark or parton fragmentation.
However, it's important to note that the concept of "breaking" a proton or neutron is not as straightforward as shattering a solid object like glass. The fundamental interactions that bind the quarks together are very strong, and the process of breaking a proton or neutron results in the creation of additional particles. The energy is transformed into a shower of new particles that emerge from the interaction.
In summary, when a very large force is applied to a proton or neutron, their internal structure can be probed and they can undergo fragmentation. Rather than breaking apart like solid objects, this leads to the creation of additional particles through high-energy interactions at the quark level.