Introduction to Particle Physics: Quarks and Leptons

This page introduces the fundamental building blocks of matter in particle physics. It explains the concept of fundamental particles in particle physics, focusing on quarks and leptons.

The document begins by stating that all matter is composed of quarks and leptons, which are fundamental particles that cannot be broken down further. It contrasts these with atoms, which are not fundamental as they contain smaller particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons.

The page then introduces the first generation of quarks (up and down) and leptons (electron and electron neutrino), along with their antiparticles. It explains that antiparticles have the same mass but opposite charges to their particle counterparts.

Definition: Fundamental particles are the most basic building blocks of matter that cannot be divided into smaller components.

Vocabulary: Antiparticles are particles with the same mass but opposite charges to their corresponding particles.

The document also introduces hadrons, which are composite particles made of quarks. It mentions three types of hadrons: mesons, baryons, and anti-baryons.

Example: Protons and neutrons are examples of baryons, which are made up of three quarks.

Finally, the page briefly mentions the concept of annihilation, where particles and antiparticles can meet and disappear, producing energy in the form of photons.

Highlight: When particles and antiparticles meet, they annihilate each other, producing energy in the form of two photons traveling in opposite directions to conserve momentum.