An elementary particle ( fundamental particle) is the most basic unit of matter that is not composed of smaller particles. These particles are considered the building blocks of everything in the universe.
- In the context of electromagnetism, there is only one fundamental particle, the photon, which acts as the force carrier, transmitting the electromagnetic force and carrying energy and momentum.
- One way photons are created and destroyed is through subatomic processes within atoms and molecules.
- These processes often involve interactions between fundamental particles governed by the strong nuclear force, which binds the building blocks of atoms (protons and neutrons) together.
- Remember that when photons are created within atoms and molecules through interactions like electron transitions and interactions with the strong nuclear force they produce light.
- Other light-producing processes (light sources) include blackbody radiation (incandescent light bulb), nuclear fusion (sunlight), annihilation (gamma rays) and high-energy phenomena (supernovae).