A subatomic particle refers to any particle that is smaller than an atom. Atoms, as you may know, are composed of smaller particles called subatomic particles. The three main types of subatomic particles are protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus (central core) of an atom. Neutrons, on the other hand, are neutral particles, meaning they have no electric charge, and they also reside in the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels or electron shells.
These three particles—protons, neutrons, and electrons—are the building blocks of matter. However, there are numerous other subatomic particles that have been discovered through scientific research. For instance, there are elementary particles such as quarks and leptons, which are considered fundamental and do not have any substructure.
Subatomic particles can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior, as described by the principles of quantum mechanics. They can possess properties such as mass, charge, and spin, and they interact with each other through fundamental forces like electromagnetism, gravity, the weak nuclear force, and the strong nuclear force.
The study of subatomic particles and their interactions is an essential aspect of particle physics, which aims to understand the fundamental nature of the universe and the forces that govern it. Experiments conducted in particle accelerators and observations of cosmic rays have provided valuable insights into the behavior and properties of subatomic particles.