Fundamental particles

Fundamental particles are the basic building blocks of matter. They cannot be broken down into smaller components. In the universe, they are categorized mainly into quarks, which combine to form protons and neutrons (the heavy parts of atoms), and leptons, which include electrons (the light, negatively charged particles that orbit atom nuclei). Additionally, particles like photons (light particles) and gluons (which hold atomic nuclei together) are also fundamental. These particles, governed by the laws of quantum physics, are essential for understanding the structure and interactions of all matter in the universe.