How many elementary particles are there
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Number of Elementary Particles
Overview of Elementary Particles in Modern Physics
Elementary particles are the fundamental building blocks of matter, and their study is crucial for understanding the universe at its most basic level. The Standard Model of particle physics is the most widely accepted framework for classifying these particles. According to various research papers, the number of elementary particles varies depending on the theoretical framework and experimental discoveries.
Standard Model and Known Particles
The Standard Model currently includes a set of elementary particles that interact through three fundamental forces: electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions. This model is known to be incomplete, as it does not account for all observed phenomena, such as dark matter and gravity. One paper lists a total of 30 particles and antiparticles, with 7 being genuinely stable . Another source mentions that there are at least 30 particles, mostly unstable, classified as elementary .
Theoretical Predictions and Extensions
Several theoretical models predict a higher number of elementary particles than those currently confirmed. For instance, Mohamed Elnaschie's theory suggests that the Standard Model should contain 69 particles, including those yet to be discovered . This theory is supported by other research, which also proposes a maximum of 69 particles based on quantum field theories and classical results . Additionally, some models extend this number further, suggesting up to 72 or even 84 particles when considering superstring theory and supersymmetry .
Missing Particles and Experimental Confirmation
There is a consensus among some researchers that the Standard Model is missing several particles. One study argues that nine elementary particles are still missing from the Standard Model 68. This is corroborated by another paper that provides an elementary proof for the existence of these nine missing particles .
Expanded Standard Model Proposals
To address the limitations of the current Standard Model, some researchers have proposed expanded models. One such proposal includes a complete set of 22 elementary particles, incorporating all known particles and six additional ones related to mass and gravity, such as the graviton and dark matter particles 57. This expanded model aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental forces and particles.
Conclusion
The exact number of elementary particles remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. While the Standard Model currently includes around 30 particles, theoretical models and experimental evidence suggest that there could be as many as 69 or more. Future discoveries and advancements in particle physics will likely refine our understanding and potentially reveal new particles that complete the picture of the fundamental constituents of matter.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic