In particle physics, an elementary particle or fundamental particle is a subatomic particle that is not composed of other particles. [1] The Standard Model recognizes seventeen distinct particles—twelve fermions and five bosons.
All matter around us is made of elementary particles, the building blocks of matter. These particles occur in two basic types called quarks and leptons. Each group consists of six particles, which are related in pairs, or “generations”.
All ordinary matter, including every atom on the periodic table of elements, consists of only three types of matter particles: up and down quarks, which make up the protons and neutrons in the nucleus, and electrons that surround the nucleus.
The term subatomic particle refers both to the true elementary particles, such as quarks and electrons, and to the larger particles that quarks form. Although both are elementary particles, electrons and quarks differ in several respects.
What are the fundamental particles of an atom? Learn about the fundamental particles, also known as elementary particles, and the types of particles.