The description of elementary phenomena in physics using particles is a result of the historical development of the field and the success of particle-based theories in explaining and predicting various phenomena. It is important to note that while the concept of particles provides a convenient framework for understanding and analyzing physical phenomena, it does not necessarily imply that particles are fundamental entities or the ultimate description of nature.
In modern physics, particles are often described as excitations or quanta of underlying fields. According to quantum field theory, all particles are associated with corresponding quantum fields that permeate space. These fields are considered to be more fundamental than the particles themselves. For example, the electromagnetic field gives rise to particles called photons, and the Higgs field is associated with the Higgs boson.
The choice to describe phenomena in terms of particles rather than energy fields can be attributed to a few reasons:
Simplicity and mathematical tractability: Describing phenomena in terms of particles can often lead to simpler mathematical formulations and calculations, making it easier to analyze and predict experimental results.
Experimental evidence: Particle-based descriptions have been successful in explaining a wide range of experimental observations. The behavior of particles, their interactions, and their measurable properties have been extensively studied and confirmed experimentally.
Phenomenological models: In many cases, particles provide a useful and effective way to describe the behavior and interactions of physical systems. Particle-based models have been developed to explain phenomena across different scales, from subatomic particles to macroscopic objects.
Correspondence principle: The particle description often matches our classical intuition for everyday phenomena. In the macroscopic limit, where classical physics is applicable, the behavior of particles can often be understood in terms of classical concepts like mass, charge, and momentum.
It is worth noting that physicists continually strive to develop more comprehensive and fundamental theories that can describe the nature of energy fields and particles in a unified framework. The pursuit of a unified theory, such as a theory of quantum gravity, aims to provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of particles and fields and their interplay in the universe.