Introduction to Particle Physics
Particle physics investigates the fundamental particles and forces that constitute all matter and energy in the universe, forming the basis of the Standard Model.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Matter is composed of fundamental particles: quarks (forming protons and neutrons) and leptons (including electrons)
The four fundamental forces are: gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear
Antimatter consists of particles with opposite charge to their matter counterparts; they annihilate on contact
The Standard Model organises all known fundamental particles and three of the four forces into a single framework
Key Vocabulary
Quark
A fundamental constituent of matter that combines in groups of two or three to form hadrons such as protons and neutrons
Lepton
A fundamental particle not affected by the strong nuclear force; includes electrons, muons, and neutrinos
Antimatter
Matter composed of antiparticles with the same mass but opposite charge to ordinary matter particles
Standard Model
The theoretical framework in particle physics that describes the fundamental particles and three of the four fundamental forces
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
How many quarks make up a proton?
Question 2
Which of the four fundamental forces holds quarks together inside a proton?
Question 3
What happens when a particle of matter meets its antimatter counterpart?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Matter is composed of fundamental particles: quarks (forming protons and neutrons) and leptons (including electrons)
- ●The four fundamental forces are: gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear
- ●Antimatter consists of particles with opposite charge to their matter counterparts; they annihilate on contact
- ●The Standard Model organises all known fundamental particles and three of the four forces into a single framework