What is smaller than an atom?

Delving into the realm smaller than an atom reveals a fascinating world governed by quantum mechanics. Here's a glimpse:

• Subatomic Particles: Atoms are not the smallest units of matter. They are composed of even smaller particles called subatomic particles. The most well-known are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons reside in the atom's nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus.

• Quarks and Leptons: Protons and neutrons are further composed of fundamental particles called quarks. Electrons are part of a family of particles called leptons. These are considered fundamental because, as far as we currently know, they are not made up of smaller components.

• Fundamental Forces: These particles interact through fundamental forces. The four known fundamental forces are:

  • Strong Nuclear Force: Holds quarks together within protons and neutrons and binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
  • Weak Nuclear Force: Responsible for radioactive decay.
  • Electromagnetic Force: Acts between electrically charged particles.
  • Gravitational Force: Acts between objects with mass.

• Force Carrier Particles: The forces are mediated by force carrier particles, also known as gauge bosons. For example, the electromagnetic force is mediated by photons. The strong force is mediated by gluons, and the weak force is mediated by W and Z bosons.

• The Standard Model: The Standard Model of Particle Physics is a theoretical framework that describes all known fundamental particles and the forces that govern their interactions (excluding gravity).

• Beyond the Standard Model: While the Standard Model is incredibly successful, it doesn't explain everything. Phenomena like dark matter, dark energy, neutrino masses, and gravity are not fully explained, leading physicists to explore theories beyond the Standard Model.

• Quantum Field Theory (QFT): The mathematical framework used to describe the behavior of subatomic particles and their interactions is Quantum Field Theory. In QFT, particles are viewed as excitations of underlying quantum fields.