The statement that particles are a useful representation of our current understanding of the universe, but the basic building blocks are fields, is in line with modern physics theories. In classical physics, particles were often treated as fundamental entities with definite positions and properties. However, in quantum field theory, which is a framework that combines quantum mechanics with special relativity, particles are understood as excitations or quanta of underlying fields.
According to quantum field theory, the fundamental entities in the universe are fields that pervade all of space. These fields are described by mathematical equations and have specific properties associated with them, such as energy, momentum, and charge. Particles, on the other hand, arise as localized disturbances or excitations in these fields.
For example, the electromagnetic field is associated with particles called photons, which are quanta of electromagnetic radiation. The Higgs field is associated with the Higgs boson, and the electron field is associated with electrons. These particles can be thought of as specific patterns or configurations of the underlying fields.
Quantum field theory allows for the creation and annihilation of particles, as well as their interactions. Particles can be created when the fields undergo certain processes, and they can also be destroyed or transformed into other particles. This dynamic nature of particles arises due to the interactions between the fields.
It's important to note that the concept of fields is not directly observable in everyday experiences, and particles are often the more intuitive way to describe and understand phenomena. Nevertheless, the understanding that particles are manifestations of underlying fields has been highly successful in explaining a wide range of physical phenomena, from the behavior of subatomic particles to the properties of the universe on a cosmological scale.