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Particle physics

Elementary Particles

The fundamental constituents of matter and force in the Standard Model — the quarks and leptons that make up matter, and the force-carrying bosons. Everything from a star to a galaxy is built from a handful of these particles, and understanding them connects the physics of the very small to the structure of the whole Universe.

Highlights

  • The building blocks of matter and force

Across fundamental physics

Knowledge connections

Sources

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

    Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.