Are Subatomic particles a form of matter?

In summary, Wikipedia says that matter is not a fundamental concept because the elementary constituents of atoms are quantum entities which do not have an inherent "size" or "volume" in any everyday sense of the word. Because of the exclusion principle and other fundamental interactions, some "point particles" known as fermions (quarks, leptons), and many composites and atoms, are effectively forced to keep a distance from other particles under everyday conditions; this creates the property of matter which appears to us as matter taking up space.
  • #1
SHASHWAT PRATAP SING
119
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As we know that matter is Anything which has mass and occupies space then are the Subatomic particles like electron,proton and neutron a matter.
Is electron a matter ?
Is proton a matter ?
Is neutron a matter ?
As these particles have mass and they occupy space so they are matter,
But the wikipedia says-
"matter is not a fundamental concept because the elementary constituents of atoms are quantum entities which do not have an inherent "size" or "volume" in any everyday sense of the word. Due to the exclusion principle and other fundamental interactions, some "point particles" known as fermions (quarks, leptons), and many composites and atoms, are effectively forced to keep a distance from other particles under everyday conditions; this creates the property of matter which appears to us as matter taking up space."
Please Help Me.
 
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  • #2
SHASHWAT PRATAP SING said:
Please Help Me.
What is the problem?
 
  • #3
A.T. said:
What is the problem?
My problem is that-
Is electron a matter ?
Is proton a matter ?
Is neutron a matter ?
Since these particles have mass and they occupy space so they are a matter,
But then why wikipedia says-
"matter is not a fundamental concept because the elementary constituents of atoms are quantum entities which do not have an inherent "size" or "volume" in any everyday sense of the word. Due to the exclusion principle and other fundamental interactions, some "point particles" known as fermions (quarks, leptons), and many composites and atoms, are effectively forced to keep a distance from other particles under everyday conditions; this creates the property of matter which appears to us as matter taking up space."

why wikipedia says the subatomic particles are not matter ?
Is electron not a matter ?
Is proton not a matter ?
Is neutron not a matter ?
electron, proton and neutron have mass and occupy space so they are matter but then why wikipedia says the subatomic particles are not matter ?
 
  • #4
SHASHWAT PRATAP SING said:
why wikipedia says the subatomic particles are not matter ?
It says that matter is not a fundamental concept. It doesn't really matter what you call "matter".
 
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  • #5
SHASHWAT PRATAP SING said:
electron, proton and neutron have mass and occupy space so they are matter but then why wikipedia says the subatomic particles are not matter ?

How about to call them particles of matter, or matter particles. Quarks and leptons, including electron, are being called like that in standard model. I don't see a reason why other subatomic particles, ie. proton and neutron couldn't be called like that.
https://home.cern/science/physics/standard-model
 
  • #6
SHASHWAT PRATAP SING said:
But then why wikipedia says-
"matter is not a fundamental concept
Wikipedia says that because the definition of matter is not important. There is nothing in fundamental physics that depends on the distinction between matter and not matter. So who cares where electrons get classified.

Personally, I would classify all fermions as matter, but it is unimportant and it doesn’t make a difference to the physics of someone else disagrees.
 
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1. What are subatomic particles?

Subatomic particles are the smallest units of matter that make up atoms. They include protons, neutrons, and electrons.

2. Are subatomic particles a form of matter?

Yes, subatomic particles are a form of matter. They have mass and occupy space, which are the defining characteristics of matter.

3. How are subatomic particles different from atoms?

Subatomic particles are the building blocks of atoms, while atoms are the building blocks of all matter. Subatomic particles are much smaller than atoms and have different properties, such as charge and mass.

4. Can subatomic particles exist on their own?

Some subatomic particles, such as electrons, can exist on their own outside of an atom. However, others, such as protons and neutrons, are only found within the nucleus of an atom.

5. Are subatomic particles constantly moving?

Yes, subatomic particles are constantly moving. Electrons are constantly orbiting the nucleus of an atom, while protons and neutrons are constantly vibrating within the nucleus.

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