Learning Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of particle physics, including particles, forces, and interactions.
• Identify and describe the Standard Model of particle physics.
• Analyze the roles of fundamental forces and exchange particles.

Language Objectives

• Use accurate terminology to explain concepts in particle physics.
• Interpret complex scientific ideas and discuss them with peers.
• Collaborate to solve problems and analyze particle interactions.

Terms (English and Kazakh)

Glossary

• Quark: A fundamental particle that combines to form protons and neutrons.
  
  Перевод

  Кварк — бұл протондар мен нейтрондарды құрайтын негізгі бөлшек.
• Lepton: A fundamental particle, such as an electron or neutrino, that does not experience strong interaction.
  
  Перевод

  Лептон — күшті өзара әсерге ұшырамайтын негізгі бөлшек, мысалы, электрон немесе нейтрино.
• Photon: The force carrier of the electromagnetic force and a quantum of light.
  
  Перевод

  Фотон — электромагниттік күштің тасымалдаушысы және жарықтың кванты.
• Weak Force: A fundamental force responsible for processes like beta decay.
  
  Перевод

  Әлсіз күш — бета-ыдырау сияқты процестерге жауапты негізгі күш.
• Strong Force: The force that holds quarks together inside protons and neutrons.
  
  Перевод

  Күшті өзара әсер — протондар мен нейтрондардың ішінде кварктарды байланыстыратын күш.

Theory

**Particle physics** is the branch of physics that studies the nature of particles that constitute matter and radiation. It investigates the fundamental constituents of the universe and their interactions. The **Standard Model** is a well-tested theoretical framework that describes:

• **Quarks and Leptons**: The building blocks of matter.
• **Fundamental Forces**: Strong, weak, electromagnetic, and gravitational forces.
• **Force Carriers**: Particles like photons, gluons, and W/Z bosons that mediate forces.

Interactions between particles are governed by **Feynman Diagrams**, which represent exchanges of virtual particles. For example, the weak force mediates beta decay through the W boson.

The **Higgs Boson**, discovered in 2012, is a key part of the Standard Model, explaining how particles acquire mass.

Exercises on Terminology

Video Lesson

Examples and Solutions

Example: A proton is made of two up quarks and one down quark. What is its charge?

Charge = (2 × +2/3) + (-1/3) = +1

Each up quark has a charge of +2/3, and a down quark has a charge of -1/3. Adding these gives: (2 × +2/3) + (-1/3) = +1.

Interactive Exercises

• Question 1: Correct Answer: XYZ
• Question 2: Correct Answer: ABC

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Research Task

Use this simulator to explore particle interactions:

Task: Simulate a particle collision and observe how particles interact and decay.

• Particles interact through exchange particles like photons or gluons.
• Energy and momentum are conserved in all interactions.

Group Activity

In pairs or groups, create a Feynman diagram representing a particle interaction (e.g., beta decay). Present your diagram and explain the particles and forces involved.

Additional Resources

Explore more about particle physics on Save My Exams.

Reflection

Reflect on today’s lesson by answering the following questions:

• What are the fundamental particles in the Standard Model?
• How do the fundamental forces govern particle interactions?
• What part of particle physics do you find most intriguing?

Write your reflections in a journal or discuss them with a peer.