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particle physics

Also known as: elementary particle physics, high-energy physics(Show More)
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•History

News •

Scientists say a forgotten particle may explain why the universe exists • Nov. 1, 2026, 2:00 AM ET (Science Daily)
Scientists Trapped an Antimatter Particle for Months to Study Its Secrets • Oct. 25, 2026, 8:00 AM ET (WIRED)
For the First Time, Scientists Trapped an Elusive Antimatter Particle—and Contained It for Months. It Could Allow Them to Test an Enduring Physics Theory • Oct. 23, 2026, 2:59 PM ET (Smithsonian Magazine)
Forgotten particle could answer mystery of why we exist, say physicists • Oct. 19, 2026, 7:10 PM ET (Phys.org)

particle physics, Study of the fundamental subatomic particles, including both matter (and antimatter) and the carrier particles of the fundamental interactions as described by quantum field theory. Particle physics is concerned with structure and forces at this level of existence and below. Fundamental particles possess properties such as electric charge, spin, mass, magnetism, and other complex characteristics, but are regarded as pointlike. All theories in particle physics involve quantum mechanics, in which symmetry is of primary importance. See also electroweak theory, lepton, meson, quantum chromodynamics, quark.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.