A subatomic particle is a particle that is smaller than an atom. It refers to any particle that is a constituent of an atom or is involved in interactions at the subatomic scale. Examples of subatomic particles include protons, neutrons, electrons, quarks, and neutrinos, among others.
The concept of a particle in the realm of quantum mechanics is somewhat different from our classical understanding. In classical physics, a particle is typically thought of as a localized object with a definite position and trajectory. However, at the subatomic scale, the behavior of particles is governed by quantum mechanics, which introduces a wave-particle duality.
According to quantum mechanics, particles can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. This is known as wave-particle duality. When we observe the behavior of subatomic particles, we sometimes see them behaving as discrete, localized entities with definite positions (particle-like behavior). At other times, we observe them displaying wave-like behavior, such as interference and diffraction patterns.
The properties and behavior of subatomic particles are described by wavefunctions, which are mathematical representations that describe the probabilities of different outcomes when measuring a particle's properties, such as position or momentum. The wavefunction can exhibit wave-like characteristics, and when it collapses upon measurement, it provides information about the particle's behavior as a localized entity.
Therefore, in the quantum realm, particles are often described as wave-particle hybrids. They exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties, depending on the specific experimental setup and the interaction being observed. The behavior and nature of subatomic particles are described by the principles of quantum mechanics, which have been extensively verified by experimental observations.