What is Particle physics: Definition and 531 Discussions

Particle physics (also known as high energy physics) is a branch of physics that studies the nature of the particles that constitute matter and radiation. Although the word particle can refer to various types of very small objects (e.g. protons, gas particles, or even household dust), particle physics usually investigates the irreducibly smallest detectable particles and the fundamental interactions necessary to explain their behaviour.
In current understanding, these elementary particles are excitations of the quantum fields that also govern their interactions. The currently dominant theory explaining these fundamental particles and fields, along with their dynamics, is called the Standard Model. Thus, modern particle physics generally investigates the Standard Model and its various possible extensions, e.g. to the newest "known" particle, the Higgs boson, or even to the oldest known force field, gravity.

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  1. K

    How Can Random Atomic Weights Influence Element Properties in a Simulation Game?

    Hi everyone, I'm trying to build a simulation type program, with various made up, extrapolated elements, generated mainly by random atomic weights, and numbers, the program would end up being sort of a game, you would be able to fabricate, or collect elements with randomized properties, and make...
  2. L

    Cross Section: Quark-Gluon vs. Quark-Photon

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  3. Matt atkinson

    Particle Physics: Collision

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  4. A

    Good explanation for Soliton and Skyrmion?

    I am looking for a Book in which Solitons and Skyrmions are easy explained. I want to understand them for Solid State Physics. Thank U Abby
  5. I

    The Nature of Time: Physicist's Interpretations & Thought Experiments

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  6. E

    Particle Physics: O(1 TeV) and O(1 pb^-1)

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  7. B

    Theoretical Particle Physics Book

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  8. Q

    Should I pursue a career in theoretical Particle Physics?

    Hi, I'm new to the forums here, so please forgive me if this is the wrong place to post. I'm currently a junior in high school, and from an early age I was put in all the "gifted" classes. Which kind of put pressure on me to choose a career like physics. Despite all the pressure I always loved...
  9. Matterwave

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  10. Dr.Mobius

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  11. P

    Postgraduate studies in Particle Physics or Radiation Physics?

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  12. M

    Book recommendation on High Energy, Nuclear and Particle Physics

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  13. DataGG

    Particle Physics Table: Find All Particles & Properties

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  14. Adoniram

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  15. F

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  16. T

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  17. T

    Why can't a particle at rest decay when its energy is real-valued?

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  18. O

    Are gluon lines drawn in opposite directions the same in Feynman diagrams?

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  19. C

    Particle Physics: Partial Decay Widths and Branching Ratios

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  20. T

    Feedback and Control Theory applied to Cosmology and Particle Physics

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  21. A

    Is a Masters in Theoretical Particle Physics Worth Pursuing Without a PhD?

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  22. I

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  23. H

    Conservation Laws and Symmetries Particle Physics

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  24. M

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  25. C

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  26. M

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  27. matt_crouch

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  28. T

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  29. A

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  30. F

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  31. P

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  32. S

    Schools Chosing College For Particle Physics And Cosmology

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  33. H

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  34. TheDemx27

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  35. A

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  36. A

    Lie groups & Lie Algebras in Nuclear & Particle Physics

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  37. P

    Good Books to use to Study Particle Physics

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  38. ZapperZ

    Global Particle Physics Photowalk Contest

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  39. M

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    I vow to do something in Particle Physics but some real nast circumstances hinders my desires.So plan to take admission in BS Mechanical Engg and after wards M.S Nuclear Engg..How close might it be to particle Physics where I might end up?If not close enough reccomend any other field.
  40. Greg Bernhardt

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  41. P

    What Is the Ideal Particle Physics Textbook for Theoretical Beginners?

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  42. D

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  43. P

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  44. Y

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  45. N

    What are some recommended books for particle physics?

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  46. Y

    Compactified String Theories - Generic Predictions for Particle Physics

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  47. S

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  48. O

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  49. S

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  50. S

    Physics Gender Bias in Particle Physics?

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