The Fundamental Particles that Make up Everything We Know

You know what really makes you and me alike? We are both made up of trillions and trillions of cells, and even smaller atoms. These atoms make up all everyday matter, and till the beginning of the 20th century many people thought they were the smallest building blocks of life. It was then discovered that they too have even smaller parts called subatomic particles. In short, these particles often have interesting characteristics that keep the universe running. Understanding these subatomic particles is crucial towards grasping the idea that all matter is related in spectacular ways. Without these particles we wouldn’t know about the most fundamental building blocks of life, and wouldn’t have particle physics in general. Elementary particles help us understand the specifics about atoms, and without them there would be no standard model. They are rather interesting too: they are found in animals; found in food; found in space. They keep us both alive, and are responsible for many phenomenons. Elementary particles are important to us because they help make up atoms, include the important force carriers, and open up new thoughts and ideas on different topics, like quantum physics.

Quarks make up protons and neutrons, while leptons make up electrons. Combinations of these fermions are essentially why we have different elements, since they make up the different particles in atoms. Remember that elements are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances, and are primary constituents of matter. They are important, and they exist because of these fermions. This makes the relationship between quarks and leptons extremely important. Take this simple example: why aren’t there any elements made up of just neutrons (quarks)? T...

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...the universe is crucial.

For all of these reasons elementary particles are significant. They provide us a clear understanding on atoms, and how fermions relate to elements. They include the force carriers, and the forces they carry. And lastly, they always give us new questions and answers. Without elementary particles our understanding of the universe would be incomplete. They do so much while being so awfully small, and this is why they are so important. Instead of looking at vast galaxies and huge stars for an explanation of the universe, why not look at the most simplest, smallest things? That’s why understanding the nature of elementary particles leads us even closer to understanding the entire universe. It provides us answers to questions like: what’s it made of, how it was made, and what laws does it obey. And this is why they are “fundamentally” important.