Quarks and Gluons: The Tiny Particles That Make Up the Universe

Join us on a journey into the subatomic world as we explore the building blocks of the universe: quarks and gluons.

As we stand today, quarks and gluons are considered to be the smallest fundamental particles – indivisible, with nothing smaller known to exist. But do you think we'll ever discover something even smaller? Share your thoughts in the comments and be sure to like and subscribe for more mind-bending scientific content.

[realjohnmonarch]

I think we'll discover smaller particles. And we eventually will learn more about Strings and their behaviors.

[Kitt_the_Katt]

Until we figure out how to observe and experiment on the Planck scale I'm confident that there will always be more divisions.

[paulwilson]

Well, an up-quark can absorb an electron and then give off a neutrino. So, there has to be something smaller than an up-quark at least. Comment below about planck scale singularities is also relevant.

[ushersinger]

instead of being so busy with numbers and mathematical equations of the particle physics theory we just need to start by what really is force what really is matter' you doing it well but just keep on to explore it more' thanks

[sleepvark]

If I remember correctly, the strong force only has an effective range of the radius of a fair sized atomic nucleus. However, if nucleons are forced too close, the strong force becomes repulsive in nature, increasing to infinity in an asymptotic fashion. If this is true, and I readily admit to the possibility of being wrong, I’d sure like to engineer a way to harness that repulsion for use as a spacecraft propulsion device. Anyway, my imagination does run off in strange directions occasionally. Enjoy tearing into this one guys. I look forward to your learned criticism.

[andrewduffy]

i think there is a point after the plank lenth.way way down below this level.emptyness then eventually you.ll reach a colourful static place very quite, but energetic.

[WilliamJacobson]

Great content. I'm looking forward to more.

[rathindramondol]

With great interest looking forward for more like this.

[MelindaGreen]

Electrons are similarly fundamental and pointlike

[TheZombieSaints]

I was going to say maybe strings? But I thought that had kinda been thrown away as a possible theory. Anyway, is there any reason for quarts and gluons to be smaller? Maybe that's as small as they need to be? Fun to think about

[rtsx]

where I get lost is quantum fields .... where the field in question is what these particles exist IN .... how can the charge or state of a given field be smaller than quarks and influence them

[jedsparks]

There are at least 3 more levels smaller than quarks. After that it all depends on how many more graduates need jobs.

[jackderose]

I find the idea of indivisibly small subatomic particles to be a conundrum of sorts. Almost disproving the existence of infinity in nature.

[mickmccrory]

Quarks ride on the backs of smaller turtles.

[andrewanderson]

I believe there's smaller particles, Besides inner space is way more vast than our observable universe.

[noelcruz]

Electron is still the smallest constituents of atom, about 10^-18m while up and down quarks are 10^-17m and 10^-16m.

[JeffAllen-vc]

The universe is as infinitely small as it is large

[TWJfdsa]

gravity is not a force- it's a property of space-time

[pavolusak]

I am afraid that cocept of quarks and gluons is wrong.

You find better aproach in the "World of the rings" on the Research Gate.

Which is giving the strong force estimation in proton from its mass. And many more for better understanding of the interactions.

[di-li]

Господа, это вопрос эпистемологический. У нас есть основания утверждать, что не существует ничего меньше (структурно) кварков? Нет, таких оснований не существует и, самое главное (!), не может существовать (основания для данного утверждения лежат в законах логики, и хотя некоторые пытаются опротестовать их всеобщность, но до сих пор эти попытки неудовлетворительны, и вряд ли когда-то станут). Если провести вероятностную оценку, то она будет в пользу существования более мелких структурных единиц по сравнению с кварками и глюонами. Имхо.