Particle physics

Particle Physics is a branch of physics that studies the fundamental constituents of matter and energy and their interactions.

  • Particle physics is an experimental sub-field of quantum mechanics often associated with the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
  • The Large Hadron Collider is a particle accelerator, which collides particles at high energies. These collisions create new particles, which are then studied by detectors. The detectors measure the properties of the new particles, such as their mass, energy, and charge.
  • The Standard Model serves as the theoretical framework employed by particle physicists to investigate fundamental forces and particles.
  • Among the most important discoveries of particle physics was the discovery of the photon and the dual nature of light (both a wave and particle).
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References