How many elementary particles are there?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification and count of elementary particles as described by the standard model of particle physics. Participants explore the discrepancies between different sources regarding the number of quarks, leptons, and bosons, including the implications of color charge and gauge bosons.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes confusion regarding the standard model's particle count, specifically mentioning 6 quarks, 6 antiquarks, 6 leptons, and 5 bosons, and contrasts this with Griffith's claim of 12 leptons, 36 quarks, and 12 mediators.
  • Another participant suggests that the discrepancy in quark count arises from considering color charge, indicating a factor of 3 for quarks and a factor of 9 for gluons, minus one color scalar gluon.
  • A participant mentions the Higgs boson and graviton as additional fundamental bosons, questioning their verification status.
  • Another participant acknowledges the established nature of the photon, W and Z bosons as gauge bosons, in contrast to the Higgs boson and graviton.
  • A later reply expresses regret over an impulsive post, indicating a desire to improve future contributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the count of elementary particles, with no consensus reached on the correct numbers or classifications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the total count of quarks and bosons.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of particles and the criteria for counting them, particularly concerning color charge and the status of certain bosons.

ehrenfest
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I am confused. I thought that the standard model included 6 quarks and 6 antiquarks, 6 leptons and 6 antileptons and 5 bosons (W+,W-,Z,photon,gluon).

However in Griffith's "Introduction to Elementary Particles" (on page 48) he says that there are "12 leptons, 36 quarks, 12 mediators".

I am thinking of the t,b,u,d,s,c and their antiparticles for the quarks.

So can someone please account for the remaining 24 quarks and the remaining 7 bosons?
 
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ehrenfest said:
So can someone please account for the remaining 24 quarks and the remaining 7 bosons?
Color is as good a charge as electric charge. You miss a factor 3 on quarks, and a factor 9 on gluons minus one color scalar gluon.
 
Higg's Boson and graviton are the only other fundamental bosons I've heard of, and they're not even verified yet.

Oh, if you count the 8 gluons it works out. Der...
 
fedaykin said:
Higg's Boson and graviton are the only other fundamental bosons I've heard of, and they're not even verified yet.
As mentioned by the OP, the photon, the Ws and the Z are other gauge bosons. Those are established beyond doubt.
 
Yeah, I wish I could have deleted that post. For the future, I promise to be less impulsive.
 

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