Smallest subatomic particles in atoms
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Subatomic Particles in Atoms: Basic Structure and Smallest Components
Atoms are made up of even smaller particles called subatomic particles. The main subatomic particles found in atoms are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus at the center of the atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in shells or clouds 346.
Elementary Particles: Quarks and Electrons
Protons and neutrons themselves are not the smallest particles. They are made up of even smaller particles called quarks. Specifically, protons and neutrons are each composed of up and down quarks, which are currently considered elementary particles—meaning they are not made up of anything smaller according to the Standard Model of particle physics 1246. Electrons, which orbit the nucleus, are also considered elementary particles and are not known to be made of smaller components 126.
Other Proposed and Theoretical Small Particles
Some research introduces the idea of even smaller or different types of subatomic particles. For example, the concept of "Micra particles" has been proposed as chargeless particles in the nucleus, described as the "energy house" of the atom, though this is not part of mainstream physics . Another theory suggests the existence of "fabriton particles," which are said to fill the space within atoms and help hold subatomic particles together, but this idea is also outside the standard scientific consensus . Additionally, the "tamaid" particle has been suggested as a very small particle that could explain changes in the masses of known subatomic particles, but this remains a hypothesis .
Simulations and Models of Subatomic Structure
Modern simulations using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods help scientists understand how subatomic particles interact to form stable atoms. These simulations focus on the behavior of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how their interactions determine atomic properties .
The Standard Model and Unanswered Questions
The Standard Model of particle physics is the most widely accepted theory describing the smallest known building blocks of matter. It identifies quarks and electrons as the smallest subatomic particles in atoms. However, there are still open questions, such as whether quarks and electrons are truly indivisible or if even smaller particles exist .
Conclusion
In summary, the smallest subatomic particles in atoms, according to current scientific understanding, are quarks (which make up protons and neutrons) and electrons. While some theories propose the existence of even smaller or different particles, these are not yet confirmed by mainstream science. The search for the most fundamental building blocks of matter continues, but for now, quarks and electrons are considered the smallest known subatomic particles in atoms 1246.
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