Ordinary matter is composed of entities
that we term protons , neutrons and electrons.These
three entities seem at first to account for the structure of the material
world around us.
However it is not
so straightforward.
Without neutrinos,
the reaction sequences that power the stars and the creation of the
elements heavier than hydrogen could not occur. Nuclear
reactors rely on interchange of momentum and energy of particles for
their operation
Electromagnetism requires the existence
of photons and nuclear
stability requires pions for the same purpose.Digging deeper we find
that several hundred so-called elementary particles exist as higher and
higher energy interactions (the ultimate energies being those present in
the 'Big Bang' ) are studied. Many exist for
the most fleeting of moments yet all reveal their secrets with careful
study.
FULL LIST OF
PARTICLES TOPICS
.
PARTICLE ADVENTURE
WEBSITE
In this tour of elementary
particle physics you will
Learn about the most fundamental processes of nature.
Discover why the neutrino had to exist and why it took 26 years to find one.
Use relativistic mechanics to understand particle decays and collisions between them.
Use the Uncertainty Principle to prove that electrons cannot exist inside the nucleus.
Use relativistic mechanics to explain how antimatter can be produced.
Meet the W- hyperon - a triumph of 20th century physics.
Be introduced to quarks,strangeness and beauty.
Be charmed by Charmonium.
