The discussion centers on the exploration of subatomic particles, specifically questioning whether quarks represent the ultimate limit of particle subdivision. Participants highlight that current understanding, based on the Standard Model, categorizes quarks, bosons, and leptons as elementary particles, which are the fundamental building blocks of matter. The concept of "nothing" is also examined, suggesting that at Planck scales, what is perceived as a vacuum is more complex than previously thought. A chart detailing elementary particles and their interactions is referenced for further clarity.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental structure of matter and the ongoing research in particle physics.
Atom1 said:Hi, a question I have been asking myself is what where to happen if we where to look deeper into the atom? Is there a point in where there is really nothing? As far as I know it only goes down to quarks. Is the quark the end of it or is there more?
ZapperZ said:This chart might be useful to you, even if it is slightly out-of-date with the most recent result from the Higgs.
http://www.cpepweb.org/cpep_sm_large.html
This is the elementary particles that we currently know of. All the bosons and leptons listed are considered as elementary particles without the Standard Model. It means that these are the basic building blocks of all matter that we know of. So your atoms, your nucleus, your mesons, etc.. etc. are all built using one or more of these, and held together by the "interactions" that are also listed in the chart.
Zz.