What is the Smallest Particle in the Universe Made Of?

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The discussion centers on the quest to identify the smallest particle in the universe, speculating on its potential composition and the implications of such a discovery. Current understanding suggests that electrons and quarks are considered point particles, lacking a definitive size but constrained within the Planck length, which is extraordinarily small. The conversation touches on the challenges of conceptualizing these particles, as they exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties, complicating their visualization. There is a consensus that there may be a theoretical limit to how small particles can be, as dictated by the uncertainty principle. The discussion also raises questions about the origins of such fundamental particles, suggesting that complex mathematical frameworks would be necessary for explanation. The possibility of string theory being confirmed is mentioned, which could redefine the understanding of the smallest entities in the universe.
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Any guesses about the smallest particle in this universe that would be discovered in the time to come.

What would it be made of in turn?

Can there be an end to this?

If there is an end, how can the origin of the particle, which is composed of no other entity (be it matter, wave, etc.) be explained?
 
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Deepak Kapur said:
Any guesses about the smallest particle in this universe that would be discovered in the time to come.

What would it be made of in turn?

Can there be an end to this?

If there is an end, how can the origin of the particle, which is composed of no other entity (be it matter, wave, etc.) be explained?

Well, electrons and quarks are point particles. They don't really exist as in 'have a set size', the do however need to be kept within the Plank length. That's so unimaginably small though and I don't even think we have any devices which can see that small. I may of course be mistaken.
I'm not even sure if physicist can imagine a quark. Imagining a electron would be difficult for the average person. You can try to think of a electron, while acting as a particle, just assume it's the size of a proton but it's close to 2000x lighter. However it has wave-like properties so it's quite difficult.

I do think that there is an end to this in theory. Can't get any smaller than a Plank length by uncertainty principal, and we're already there. How can they be explained? With very complicated maths and scientific concepts.

I'm no physicist mind you so if any of the scientists on here want to slap me on my head for what I wrote go right ahead :-p
 
If string theory is ever confirmed, I'd say the smallest will be a point !
 
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