The terms "particle" and "particulate" are related but have different meanings in different contexts. Here's a general explanation of each term:
Particle: In physics, a particle refers to a fundamental unit or entity that is extremely small and has mass. Particles can be elementary particles (such as electrons, protons, and neutrinos) or composite particles (such as atoms and molecules). In particle physics, scientists study the behavior and properties of these fundamental particles to understand the fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe.
Particulate: The term "particulate" is often used in the context of pollution and environmental science. Particulate matter (PM) refers to a complex mixture of solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. These particles can vary in size, composition, and origin. Common examples of particulate matter include dust, soot, pollen, smoke, and aerosols. Particulates can be generated from natural sources (like volcanic eruptions and dust storms) or human activities (such as industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and burning of fossil fuels).
In summary, while "particle" generally refers to fundamental units of matter, "particulate" specifically relates to small solid or liquid particles suspended in a medium, often used to describe pollution or environmental contaminants.