QB_PH_SEC9_017: Particle Physics & Fundamental Interactions

What is the electric charge $Q$ (in units of elementary charge $e$) of the $\Omega^-$ hyperon containing three strange quarks ($s s s$)?

Correct Answer

### Step-by-Step Derivation & Verification: 1. **Baryon Decuplet Composition**: The $\Omega^-$ baryon ($J^P = 3/2^+$) consists of three identical strange quarks ($sss$). 2. **Quark Electric Charges**: - $u$: $+2/3 e$ - $d$: $-1/3 e$ - $s$: $-1/3 e$ 3. **Summation**: $Q = Q_s + Q_s + Q_s = -\frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = -1.0$ 4. **Official Integer Answer**: -1.