The Standard Model
An authoritative study of the fundamental building blocks of matter and the mechanisms of universal interactions.
Introduction to Particles
At the most fundamental level, everything in the universe is made of a small number of basic building blocks called elementary particles, governed by four fundamental forces.
Our best understanding of how these particles and three of the forces are related to each other is encapsulated in the Standard Model of particle physics.
📝 Note from Faculty
The Standard Model is the theoretical framework that describes the electromagnetic, weak, and strong nuclear interactions.
Quarks and Leptons
Matter particles are divided into two main groups: Quarks and Leptons. Each group consists of six particles, which are related in pairs, or "generations".
The Six Quarks
- Up (u) and Down (d): The lightest and most stable.
- Charm (c) and Strange (s): Heavier and found in high-energy collisions.
- Top (t) and Bottom (b): The heaviest and most recently discovered.
Protons are made of two up quarks and one down quark (uud), while neutrons are made of one up quark and two down quarks (udd).
Fundamental Forces
There are four fundamental forces in the universe, three of which are described by the Standard Model:
Strong Nuclear
Holds atomic nuclei together. Carried by the Gluon.
Electromagnetic
Responsible for electricity and magnetism. Carried by the Photon.
Weak Nuclear
Responsible for radioactive decay. Carried by W and Z bosons.
Note: Gravity is the fourth force but is currently not part of the Standard Model.
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