Subatomic particles that make up matter
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Fundamental Subatomic Particles That Make Up Matter
Matter is made up of a variety of subatomic particles, with the most well-known being electrons, protons, and neutrons. These particles form the basic building blocks of atoms, which in turn make up all matter in the universe 124.
Electrons, Protons, and Neutrons: Core Constituents of Matter
Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge. The combination of these three particles forms atoms, which are the foundation of all chemical elements 124.
Atomic Nuclei and Their Substructure
The nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons, which are themselves composed of even smaller particles called quarks (though quarks are not directly mentioned in the provided abstracts, the nucleus is described as having component parts including elementary particles) . The arrangement and number of protons and neutrons determine the identity and properties of each element 24.
Other Subatomic Particles: Photons, Muons, Pions, and Antiparticles
In addition to electrons, protons, and neutrons, other subatomic particles exist. Photons are particles of light and are responsible for electromagnetic interactions. Muons and pions are examples of particles discovered in cosmic ray and accelerator experiments. There are also antiparticles for each of the main particles, such as the positron (the antiparticle of the electron) .
Exotic and Hypothetical Subatomic Particles
Research continues to search for new and exotic subatomic particles. For example, the "glueball" is a hypothesized particle made of the force that binds protons and neutrons together, known as the strong nuclear force. Evidence for such particles is still being investigated, and their discovery could expand our understanding of what makes up matter 56.
Subatomic Particles and Dark Matter
Some theories suggest that dark matter, which makes up a large portion of the universe's mass, could be composed of unknown subatomic particles. These particles have not yet been directly observed, but their existence is inferred from their gravitational effects on visible matter .
Conclusion
The matter we see around us is primarily made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons, along with their antiparticles and other less common particles like muons and pions. Ongoing research continues to search for new subatomic particles, including those that might make up dark matter or represent entirely new forms of matter. Understanding these particles is key to understanding the fundamental nature of the universe 124569.
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