What is the smallest particle ever detected by scientists?

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SUMMARY

The smallest particle ever detected by scientists is the electron, which has been filmed for the first time using advanced microscopy techniques. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) are key tools that have enabled the observation of atomic structures and behaviors. Discussions indicate that while atoms can be visualized, sub-atomic particles such as electrons and neutrinos represent the smallest entities detected, particularly in particle colliders. The detection of these particles raises philosophical questions about the nature of matter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Familiarity with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  • Knowledge of sub-atomic particles, including electrons and neutrinos
  • Basic principles of quantum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Research the applications of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  • Investigate the role of particle colliders in detecting sub-atomic particles
  • Study the philosophical implications of particle physics and the concept of point particles
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Quantum physicists, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the fundamental aspects of particle physics and microscopy techniques.

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Smallest 'thing" detected yet

I wasnt too sure where to post this but I settled on quantum physics.
I was wondering what the smallest particle or "thing" any human has ever seen with the aid of a microscope or any kind of magnifying tool.
 
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We have seen atoms under the microscope. I don't think we can go much smaller than that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_PjMeukmzg
 


According to this site, an eletron has been detected. I'm not sure that it fits what you are looking for.

http://blogearth.wordpress.com/2008/02/27/electron-filmed-for-the-first-time/"
 
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micromass said:
We have seen atoms under the microscope. I don't think we can go much smaller than that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_PjMeukmzg
Yeah - that's pretty much it. Atomic force microprobes have probed atoms on the surface of solids.

http://www.parkafm.com/?gclid=COmN5prhoqoCFULc4Aodtx8hWA

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/product.jspx?nid=-33986.0.00&cc=US&lc=eng

Disclaimer: No endorsement expressed or implied.

http://www.mrsec.org/facilities/atomic-force-microscopescanning-tunneling-microscope
 
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What are we looking at in that video? Are those the electron shells?
 


Jimmy Snyder said:
According to this site, an eletron has been detected. I'm not sure that it fits what you are looking for.

http://blogearth.wordpress.com/2008/02/27/electron-filmed-for-the-first-time/"
Apparently electrons listen to new-age music :wink: Although I am slightly curious for more details as well.
 
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thanks for all the replies!
 


Astronuc said:
Yeah - that's pretty much it. Atomic force microprobes have probed atoms on the surface of solids.

Are you sure that its AFM? I would have guessed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_electron_microscopy" .
 
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Is it this?

DSC4564-XL.jpg
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  • #10


Phew, i thought my ex girlfriend had found this site.
 
  • #11


Andy said:
Phew, i thought my ex girlfriend had found this site.

:smile::smile::smile:
 
  • #12


Andy said:
Phew, i thought my ex girlfriend had found this site.

HAH!

Smallest thing seen with the naked eye or "effects of" seen with the naked eye? Because you can quite clearly see the trail left by an electron traveling through a cloud chamber with your naked eye.
 
  • #13


Those videos impressed me. I had seen photos of atoms but no video. Nice.
 
  • #14


Andy said:
Phew, i thought my ex girlfriend had found this site.

Are you after my badge, you old bugger? I was all set to post something similar, and you beat me to it.


:biggrin:
 
  • #15


micromass said:
We have seen atoms under the microscope. I don't think we can go much smaller than that...

That's an interesting video, especially towards the end! Are the atoms there shown to move, or is this some kind of microscope artifact? If they can be shown to move, is there any video of chemical reactions in the atomic level?
 
  • #16


Are you after my badge, you old bugger? I was all set to post something similar, and you beat me to it.

Old? HA! any idea how old i am? Just because i have been loitering around the site for the past decade doesn't make me old.

Oh and to quote a famous film, "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!"
 
  • #17


I'm kind of confused by this question, surely the smallest "thing" ever detected are the sub-atomic particles created in particle colliders? :confused:
 
  • #18


ryan_m_b said:
I'm kind of confused by this question, surely the smallest "thing" ever detected are the sub-atomic particles created in particle colliders? :confused:


Is there such a thing as a "point particle"? Are neutrinos the smallest thing ever detected? Past a certain point it is as much a philosophical debate as a scientific one.
 
  • #19


Andy said:
Old? HA! any idea how old i am?
Well... uh... going by your writing style, I figure about 114. I'm sorry if I underestimated...


Andy said:
and to quote a famous film, "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!"

Ahhhh... a connoisseur of the classics... :biggrin:
 
  • #20


25. Gotta love abit of mel.
 

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