New York, United States – The mystery surrounding the composition of electrons, one of the key components of atoms, continues to baffle scientists. While protons and neutrons are known to be made up of quarks and gluons, electrons are believed to be fundamental particles with no smaller components. This raises questions about the nature of fundamental particles and how they differ from other particles that make up atoms.
The word “atom”, originating from the Greek for “unable to be cut”, reflects ancient beliefs that matter must be composed of indivisible particles. However, modern science has revealed that atoms are not truly indivisible, consisting of smaller components like protons, neutrons, and electrons. While the internal structure of protons and neutrons has been uncovered, electrons have eluded further division for over a century.
Efforts to identify any smaller components within electrons have been unsuccessful. Despite theoretical proposals for component particles, these do not align well with the Standard Model of Particle Physics. The fundamental nature of electrons remains a topic of interest, as they continue to exhibit both particle and wave-like properties.
Due to their significantly lower mass compared to atomic nucleus particles, it is not surprising that electrons are believed to be indivisible. Physicists describe fundamental particles like electrons as excitations of fields, with the electron field playing a crucial role in defining electron properties. Interactions between fields, such as the Higgs field, contribute to fundamental particles acquiring mass.
While the concept of particles as excitations of fields may be challenging to grasp for non-physicists, it represents the current best explanation for the nature of fundamental particles. The quest to understand the true composition of electrons and other fundamental particles drives ongoing research in the field of particle physics, shedding light on the intricate nature of the universe.