Matter topics

Definition of Matter

Theories of Matter

Kinetic Theory of Matter

Measurement of the Mass of Matter

Particles of Matter

Structure of the Atom

Atomic Weight

Subatomic Particles

Neutrons

Are Atoms Tiny Solar Systems?

Antimatter

Antiparticles

Radioactivity

Nuclear Reactions

States of Matter

Density of Matter

Factors in Density of Matter

States of Matter

Changing States of Matter

Pressure and States of Matter

Evaporation

When Water Vapor Becomes Snow

Dry Ice

Fluids

Characteristics of Fluids

Pressure in Fluids

How Objects Float in Fluids

Applications of Fluid Principles

SfC Home > Physical Science > Physics >

Explanation of structure of the subatomic particles to succeed in physical science. Also refer to physics, atom, elements, proton, neutron, electron, nucleus, lepton, quark, neutrino, muon, e-learning, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Subatomic Particles

by Ron Kurtus (revised 31 December 2008)

An atom is made up of subatomic particles. Although the Proton, Neutron and Electron have been considered the fundamental particles of an atom, recent discoveries from experiments with atomic accelerators have shown that there are actually 12 subatomic particles.

These subatomic particles are divided into two classes, consisting of Leptons and Quarks. The proton and neutron are no longer considered fundamental particles in this subatomic classification but are actually made up of smaller subatomic particles.

Questions you may have include:

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Useful tools: Metric-English Conversion | Scientific Calculator.

Classical subatomic particles

Atoms or elements consist of protons and neutrons in their nuclei (except for the case of Hydrogen, which only has a proton in its nucleus). In "obits" or shells around the nucleus are electrons. An electrically neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons.

Recent experiments have shown that the proton and neutron are not fundamental particles but actually consist of even smaller subatomic particles—quarks. The electron is still a fundamental particle, classified as a lepton.

Leptons

The Lepton classification of subatomic particles consists of 6 fundamental particles:

Electron, Muon and Tau Leptons

The Electron remains a fundamental particle, as it was in the original Atomic Theory. It has an electrical charge of (−1) and plays an active role in chemical reactions.

The Muon is similar to an Electron, only heavier. It is primarily seen as a result of a high-energy collision in an atomic accelerator. The Tau particle is similar to a Muon, only heavier yet. Muon and Tau particles are unstable and exist in nature for a very short time.

Neutrinos

Neutrinos are extremely small and have no electrical charge. This makes them extremely difficult to detect. They can possess a large amount of energy and the very rare times they do collide with another particle, that energy can be released.

The types of neutrinos are:

Quarks

Another group of subatomic particles are the Quarks. Just like their name, they exhibit unusual characteristics. The fundamental particles among the Quarks are:

(Note: It is unfortunate that scientists choose somewhat silly names to describe these subatomic particles. It is also unfortunate that the scientific community agreed to continue to use these silly names.)

One characteristic of the Quarks is that they have an electrical charge that is either (+2/3) or (−1/3). The reason that it is a fraction of a charge is that when the original definition of electrical charge of was made, no one thought there were actually particles smaller than the electron (having a −1 charge) and a proton (having a +1 charge).

There are also other particles made up of combination of Quarks.

Up and Down Quarks

The Up Quark has a positive (+) electrical charge of (+2/3). The Down Quark has a negative (−) electrical charge of (−1/3).

Note: Think of Up as positive (+) and Down as negative (−).

The Proton is made up of two Up Quarks (+2/3) + (+2/3) and one Down Quark (−1/3). The electrical charge of the proton is then:

(+2/3) + (+2/3) + (−1/3) = (+1).

The Neutron is made up of one Up Quark (+2/3) and two Down Quarks (−1/3) + (−1/3). The resulting electrical charge of the Neutron is:

(+2/3) + (−1/3) + (−1/3) = (0).

Charm, Strange, Top and Bottom Quarks

The Charm Quark has the same electrical charge (+2/3) as the Up Quark but has greater mass. The Top Quark has even greater mass than the Charm Quark.

The Strange Quark has the same electrical charge (−1/3) as the Down Quark but is heavier. The Bottom Quark has even greater mass than the Strange Quark.

Summary

According to Subatomic Theory, the fundamental particles now consist of 6 Lepton particles and 6 Quark particles. Other particles are made up of combination of Quarks. An Electron is still a fundamental particle, but Protons and Neutrons have been found to be combinations of Quarks.

Answers to Readers' Questions


Know your purpose in life and follow it


Resources and references

Author's Credentials

The following resources provide information on this subject:

Websites

Physics Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Subatomic Particles


Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. How were subatomic particles discovered?

They are a result of experiments with atomic accelerators

Experiments with very powerful microscopes helped the discoveries

Scientists made some lucky guesses

2. Why is a neutrino so difficult to detect?

It travels at velocities faster than the speed of light

It has no electrical charge, so it does not affect nearby particles

It doesn't really exist

3. How can a Quark have a fraction of a charge?

A Quark is only a fraction of a particle

Because Quarks are so difficult to detect in nature

The electrical charge of (+1) was defined before the Quark was discovered

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Physics. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.


What do you think?

Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.


Share link

Click on a button to share the link for this page:

Or use our form to send this link to yourself or a friend.


Students and researchers

The Web address of this page is:
www.school-for-champions.com/science/subatomic.htm.

Please include it as a link on your website or as a reference in your report, document, or thesis.


Where are you now?

School for Champions

Physics topics

Subatomic Particles



Live Your Life as a Champion:

Take care of your health

Seek knowledge and gain skills

Do excellent work

Be valuable to others

Have utmost character

Be a Champion!



The School for Champions helps you become the type of person who can be called a Champion.