An elementary particle is one that can’t be broken down (yet) into smaller particles. Scientists refer to elementary particles as “fundamental.” There are three types of elementary particles: quarks, leptons, and bosons. hadrons are made of quarks and therefore are not fundamental.
Are atoms made up of quarks?
A quark is a tiny particle which makes up protons and neutrons. The atom is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. It was once thought that neutrons, protons and electrons were fundamental particles. Fundamental particles cannot be broken up into anything smaller.
What is the difference between quarks and leptons?
Fermions, in turn, can be put into two categories: quarks and leptons. Quarks make up, amongst other things, the protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Leptons include electrons and neutrinos. The difference between quarks and leptons is that quarks interact with the strong nuclear force, whereas leptons do not.
What are bosons made up of?
Any object which is comprised of an even number of fermions is a boson, while any particle which is comprised of an odd number of fermions is a fermion. For example, a proton is made of three quarks, hence it is a fermion. A 4He atom is made of 2 protons, 2 neutrons and 2 electrons, hence it is a boson.