Quarks and bosons are considered to be actual particles in the framework of modern particle physics. They are fundamental constituents of matter and play a crucial role in our understanding of the universe at the subatomic level.
Quarks are elementary particles that are believed to be the building blocks of hadrons, such as protons and neutrons. They carry fractional electric charges and exhibit other properties that have been confirmed through numerous experimental observations. Quarks are subject to the strong nuclear force, mediated by particles called gluons, which bind them together within hadrons.
Bosons, on the other hand, are a class of particles that have integer spins (0, 1, 2, etc.) as defined by quantum mechanics. They include particles like photons (mediators of electromagnetic interactions), W and Z bosons (mediators of weak nuclear interactions), and the Higgs boson (associated with the Higgs field and the mechanism of mass generation). These particles have been experimentally observed and their properties have been measured.
While the existence of quarks and bosons is supported by a vast body of experimental evidence, it's important to note that our understanding of them is based on mathematical frameworks as well. The Standard Model of particle physics, for instance, provides a mathematical description that incorporates quarks, bosons, and other particles, and successfully describes a wide range of experimental results.
In summary, quarks and bosons are considered to be actual particles based on experimental observations and theoretical frameworks. They are not merely mathematical conveniences but fundamental entities that contribute to our understanding of the subatomic world.