Particle Physics Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Particle Physics?

Particle physics is the study of the fundamental particles that make up matter and their interactions. These particles are called elementary particles, or sometimes quarks and leptons. Particle physicists explore some of the most basic questions in science such as: What is the nature of space and time? What are all the components of matter? How do they interact with one another? Particles have been studied for more than a century now, beginning with J.J. Thomson’s discovery of electrons in 1897 through to today’s studies involving massive particle accelerators like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). With these tools, scientists can measure properties such as mass, charge, spin, and other quantum numbers associated with these tiny objects to gain insight into how they work. As technology has advanced so too has particle physics research. In 1964 researchers discovered two new kinds of particles at Brookhaven National Laboratory; this set off an explosion in our understanding about what makes up matter and how it interacts with forces like electromagnetism and gravity. Since then we’ve seen further discoveries including gluons (which mediate strong nuclear force) , neutrinos ( which barely interact), W/Z bosons (mediating weak force) , Higgs Boson(responsible for mass) etc., leading to an ever increasing picture regarding the building blocks making up everything around us. One interesting development in particle physics relates to string theory which suggests that all fundamental particles may actually be made up by even smaller objects known as strings – vibrating loops whose ‘notes’ determine different types of physical behaviour within our universe. This concept remains highly speculative but could potentially provide answers to some longstanding questions about dark energy and extra dimensions if validated experimentally one day.. The implications for human life should not be underestimated either advances in particle physics could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as medicine or renewable energy sources from fusion reactors powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Whether it’s finding out why certain elements form molecules together or discovering ways harnessing antimatter-based power sources efficiently – no doubt there’ll be plenty more exciting developments on horizon when it comes this fascinating branch science over coming decades ahead.