What are quarks?

Quarks are fundamental particles that combine to form protons and neutrons, which are the building blocks of atomic nuclei. Protons and neutrons are classified as baryons, and they consist of three quarks each. This means that quarks are indeed smaller than protons and neutrons, and they play a critical role in the framework of atomic structure in the field of particle physics.

The significance of quarks also extends to their interactions via the strong force, which is mediated by particles called gluons. This fundamental understanding of quarks is essential when studying subatomic particles and the forces that govern their behavior, making the concept crucial in the study of atomic particles.

Understanding quarks allows for a deeper comprehension of how matter is constructed at a fundamental level, which is essential for students in electrical apprenticeships and related fields, as it underpins many principles of physics that affect electrical theory and applications.