When it comes to visualizing particles like electrons and quarks, it's important to note that these particles do not have a well-defined size or shape in the classical sense. They are described as point-like particles in most fundamental particle physics theories.
In classical physics, we often think of objects as having definite positions, sizes, and shapes. However, at the subatomic level, particles behave according to the principles of quantum mechanics, which introduce fundamental uncertainties and wave-particle duality.
In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wave functions that represent the probability distributions of their properties, such as position and momentum. The wave nature of particles means that they can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior. This makes it difficult to assign them a well-defined position or size in the way we typically think of macroscopic objects.
The concept of visualizing particles as tiny balls can be a useful approximation in certain contexts, especially when trying to convey basic concepts to a non-expert audience. However, it's important to recognize that this is an oversimplification and that the true nature of particles is more complex and abstract.
To accurately describe and understand particles at the subatomic level, we rely on mathematical formalisms and experimental evidence, such as the results of high-energy particle physics experiments. These tools provide a more precise and comprehensive understanding of the behavior of particles, even if they cannot be easily visualized in a classical sense.