The depiction of particles such as protons, neutrons, electrons, atoms, and quarks as spherical is largely a simplification used in diagrams and models to aid in understanding. In reality, these particles do not have well-defined boundaries or fixed shapes like macroscopic objects such as balls.
The shape and structure of subatomic particles are described by quantum mechanics, which is a branch of physics that deals with phenomena at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. According to quantum mechanics, particles are described by wave functions, which represent the probability distribution of finding the particle at different locations. The wave functions of these particles can have complex and often non-spherical shapes.
For example, electrons, which are fundamental particles that orbit around the nucleus of an atom, are often depicted as small spheres in atomic models. However, in reality, electrons exist in a cloud-like region surrounding the nucleus, described by their wave function. This region represents the probability of finding the electron at a particular location. The shape of this electron cloud is influenced by various factors, such as the energy level of the electron and the presence of other charged particles.
Similarly, protons and neutrons, which are composite particles made up of quarks, do not have a precisely defined boundary or a simple spherical shape. Quarks are elementary particles that are considered point-like, meaning they have no size or structure. Protons and neutrons are composed of three quarks each, and their overall shape arises from the interactions and arrangement of these constituent quarks within the particle.
In summary, while particles are often depicted as spherical for simplicity, their actual shapes and structures are more complex and described by quantum mechanics. The concept of a well-defined shape becomes less meaningful at the subatomic level, where particles behave according to quantum principles.