Theoretical physics
June 2015
BY jason wang
The Standard Model
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The Standard Model forms the basis of theoretical physics nowadays.
Formed in the 1970s, it has overcome years of tests and experiments, proving itself to be a staple in modern physics. While it does not explain every single phenomenon, it does so with most to an incredible degree of accuracy, further cementing its place as a main concept in physics today. The Standard Model itself looks rather like a very tiny Periodic Table (see above.)
Two types of particles make up this strange table: matter particles, and force carrier particles.
Matter particles are divided into two groups - the quarks and the leptons. The quarks and leptons both are divided into three generations each, with the leftmost generations being the most stable. Up and down quarks, as well as electrons, are by far the most famous members of the standard model, with up and down quarks forming neutrons and protons, and electrons being … well, electrons. Quarks also have certain “colors” - these quarks can only combine in such a way that the particles formed are “colourless”. Without explaining it in great detail, quark colors involve the different types of interactions with the strong force.