Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Fundamental particles are elementary particles that cannot be broken down into smaller components. They are considered the building blocks of matter and include quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons.
Subatomic particles are particles that make up atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Elementary Particles: Elementary particles refer to both fundamental particles and composite particles (particles made up of combinations of fundamental particles).
Quarks: Quarks are elementary particles that combine to form protons and neutrons within atomic nuclei.