subatomien

Subatomien is a term that refers to particles smaller than an atom. Historically, the atom was considered the smallest indivisible unit of matter. However, discoveries throughout the 19th and 20th centuries revealed that atoms are composed of even smaller constituents. These subatomic particles are fundamental to the structure and behavior of matter.

The most well-known subatomic particles are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons reside in the atom's nucleus, carrying positive and no electrical charge, respectively. Electrons, with their negative electrical charge, orbit the nucleus. The number of protons defines an element, while the combination of protons and neutrons determines an isotope.

Beyond these, there are many other subatomic particles, often grouped under the umbrella term elementary particles. These are particles that are not composed of smaller particles. Examples include quarks, which make up protons and neutrons, and leptons, such as the electron and its more massive counterparts. Photons, the particles of light, are also elementary. The study of these particles and their interactions is the domain of particle physics, which seeks to understand the fundamental forces of nature and the building blocks of the universe.