Saturday 11 April 2009

Introduction to Particle Physics Particle Physics is a branch of physics that studies the fundamental constitutes of matter and energy. The fundamental constitutes of our universe (as far as we know) are 12 particles that can't be broken down any further. These particles and the four fundamental forces, come together to create what we call "The Standard Model." Before we look at the Standard Model however, I should explain in greater depth what the fundamental particles are. They consist of 6 so-called leptons and 6 so-called quarks. But to explain these, I must explain how the atom is structured. An atom consists of a nucleus which in it has electrically charged protons and neutral neutrons. Both these sub-atomic particles are made of up and down quarks.Then there are electrons that orbit the nucleus. These leptons are tiny compared with quarks. Then there are the four fundamental forces. These are Gravity (one you probably already know about), Electromagnetism (which affects the electrically charged subatomic particles), Strong Force (which acts like an elastic band upon the protons and the neutrons), and Weak Force (which is responsible for radioactivity.) The Standard Model shows the fundamental particles and which forces affect them (Look Right) As you can see, the Weak Force affects all the particles, the Strong Force affects all the quarks and Electromagnetism affects half of the Leptons (including the Electron) and all the quarks. It is because of the strong force affecting the quarks that we have a nucleus in our atoms. So this concludes my introduction to Particle Physics. Soon, I will be following this up with a "Particle Physics continued" post.