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8
1
L
Leo Wharfe
9/6/2025
Physics
Particle Physics notes A/S PHYSICS UNIT 1
280
•
Sep 6, 2025
•
Particle Physics A Level Notes - AQA & Edexcel Questions, Hadrons, Leptons, Quarks, and Forces
L
Leo Wharfe
@leowharfe_grtm
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Fundamental and Composite Particles
This page delves deeper into the classification of particles as either fundamental or composite. It provides detailed information on various particle types and their properties.
Particles are categorized as:
- Fundamental particles (no internal structure)
- Composite particles (composed of fundamental particles)
Example: Electrons, neutrinos, and quarks are examples of fundamental particles, while atoms, nuclei, protons, and neutrons are composite particles.
The page provides specific information about electrons and electron neutrinos:
- Electrons: Responsible for chemical reactions and electricity, with a charge of -1
- Electron neutrinos: Particles with no electric charge and possibly no mass
Highlight: Billions of neutrinos pass through your body every second, demonstrating their abundance and penetrating nature.
The page also introduces up and down quarks, which are crucial components in Hadrons and leptons in particle physics unit 1 worksheet:
- Up quark: Electric charge of +2/3
- Down quark: Electric charge of -1/3
This information is essential for students preparing for AQA a level Physics particles and Radiation exam questions.
Matter and Antimatter
This page focuses on the concept of antimatter and its relationship to matter. It introduces antiparticles and their properties, which is a key topic in Particle Physics notes.
Definition: Antimatter consists of antiparticles that have the same mass but opposite charge and other properties compared to their matter counterparts.
The page provides examples of particle-antiparticle pairs:
- Electron and positron
- Neutrino and antineutrino
- Up quark and anti-up quark
- Down quark and anti-down quark
Example: A proton has an antiproton counterpart , where ū represents an anti-up quark and d̄ an anti-down quark.
The page explains that particles and antiparticles have opposite charges but are deflected with the same force in a magnetic field, albeit in opposite directions. This concept is crucial for understanding particle behavior in accelerators and detectors, which is often covered in Particle Physics a level Edexcel curricula.
Highlight: The study of antimatter is essential for understanding the early universe and is a key component of modern Particle Physics questions and Answers.
Hadrons and Leptons
This page introduces two major categories of particles: hadrons and leptons. It provides detailed explanations of their properties and compositions, which is crucial information for Hadrons and leptons in particle physics unit 1 questions.
Vocabulary: Hadrons, from the Greek word for "strong," are particles that can feel the strong nuclear force.
Hadrons are further divided into two subcategories:
- Baryons: Made up of three quarks (e.g., protons and neutrons)
- Mesons: Made up of quark-antiquark pairs
Highlight: All baryons except protons eventually decay into protons, which is a key concept in understanding particle stability.
Definition: Leptons, from the Greek word for "light," are fundamental particles such as electrons and neutrinos that are not affected by the strong force.
The page provides examples of leptons:
- Electron
- Neutrino (charge 0)
Example: Beta decay, a type of radioactive decay, produces leptons: ₆₀Co → ₂₈Ni + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ
This information is essential for understanding the Similarities between hadrons and leptons and the Examples of hadrons and Leptons that students may encounter in their studies.
Photons and Annihilation
This page discusses photons and the process of matter-antimatter annihilation, which are important topics in Particles and Radiation a level Physics AQA.
Definition: A photon is a tiny packet of light energy, often considered as both a particle and a wave.
The energy of a photon is given by the equation E = hf, where h is Planck's constant and f is the frequency of the light.
The page then explains the concept of matter-antimatter annihilation:
Highlight: When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, converting their mass entirely into energy.
The energy produced in this process is calculated using Einstein's famous equation: E = mc²
Example: Calculation of energy released when an electron and positron annihilate:
- Mass of electron and positron: mₑ⁻ + mₑ⁺ = 1.82 × 10⁻³⁰ kg
- Energy released: E = mc² = 1.82 × 10⁻³⁰ × ² = 1.64 × 10⁻¹³ J
- Energy per photon: 0.82 × 10⁻¹³ J (as two photons are produced)
This process of annihilation and energy conversion is a fundamental concept in particle physics and is often featured in Exchange particles A Level Physics topics.
Fundamental Particles and Forces
This page introduces the basic concepts of particle physics, focusing on fundamental particles and the four fundamental forces. It provides an overview of the building blocks of matter and their interactions.
Definition: A fundamental particle is a particle with no internal structure, serving as a basic building block of matter.
The page discusses the composition of atoms, highlighting that protons and neutrons are made up of quarks. It introduces the first generation of particles, including up and down quarks, electrons, and electron neutrinos.
Vocabulary: Quarks are fundamental particles that make up hadrons like protons and neutrons.
The four fundamental forces in physics are listed from strongest to weakest:
- Strong nuclear force
- Electromagnetic force
- Weak nuclear force
- Gravity
Highlight: Understanding the four fundamental forces is crucial for comprehending particle interactions in Particle Physics A level notes.
The page also touches on the structure of atoms, showing how protons and neutrons form the nucleus while electrons orbit around it. This basic atomic structure is essential knowledge for students studying Particle Physics A Level Questions.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Particle Physics A Level Notes - AQA & Edexcel Questions, Hadrons, Leptons, Quarks, and Forces
L
Leo Wharfe
@leowharfe_grtm
Particle Physicsis a fundamental area of study in A-level Physics, covering the building blocks of matter and the forces that govern them. This summary explores key concepts in particle physics, including fundamental particles, hadrons, leptons, and the four fundamental... Show more
Fundamental and Composite Particles
This page delves deeper into the classification of particles as either fundamental or composite. It provides detailed information on various particle types and their properties.
Particles are categorized as:
- Fundamental particles (no internal structure)
- Composite particles (composed of fundamental particles)
Example: Electrons, neutrinos, and quarks are examples of fundamental particles, while atoms, nuclei, protons, and neutrons are composite particles.
The page provides specific information about electrons and electron neutrinos:
- Electrons: Responsible for chemical reactions and electricity, with a charge of -1
- Electron neutrinos: Particles with no electric charge and possibly no mass
Highlight: Billions of neutrinos pass through your body every second, demonstrating their abundance and penetrating nature.
The page also introduces up and down quarks, which are crucial components in Hadrons and leptons in particle physics unit 1 worksheet:
- Up quark: Electric charge of +2/3
- Down quark: Electric charge of -1/3
This information is essential for students preparing for AQA a level Physics particles and Radiation exam questions.
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Matter and Antimatter
This page focuses on the concept of antimatter and its relationship to matter. It introduces antiparticles and their properties, which is a key topic in Particle Physics notes.
Definition: Antimatter consists of antiparticles that have the same mass but opposite charge and other properties compared to their matter counterparts.
The page provides examples of particle-antiparticle pairs:
- Electron and positron
- Neutrino and antineutrino
- Up quark and anti-up quark
- Down quark and anti-down quark
Example: A proton has an antiproton counterpart , where ū represents an anti-up quark and d̄ an anti-down quark.
The page explains that particles and antiparticles have opposite charges but are deflected with the same force in a magnetic field, albeit in opposite directions. This concept is crucial for understanding particle behavior in accelerators and detectors, which is often covered in Particle Physics a level Edexcel curricula.
Highlight: The study of antimatter is essential for understanding the early universe and is a key component of modern Particle Physics questions and Answers.
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Hadrons and Leptons
This page introduces two major categories of particles: hadrons and leptons. It provides detailed explanations of their properties and compositions, which is crucial information for Hadrons and leptons in particle physics unit 1 questions.
Vocabulary: Hadrons, from the Greek word for "strong," are particles that can feel the strong nuclear force.
Hadrons are further divided into two subcategories:
- Baryons: Made up of three quarks (e.g., protons and neutrons)
- Mesons: Made up of quark-antiquark pairs
Highlight: All baryons except protons eventually decay into protons, which is a key concept in understanding particle stability.
Definition: Leptons, from the Greek word for "light," are fundamental particles such as electrons and neutrinos that are not affected by the strong force.
The page provides examples of leptons:
- Electron
- Neutrino (charge 0)
Example: Beta decay, a type of radioactive decay, produces leptons: ₆₀Co → ₂₈Ni + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ
This information is essential for understanding the Similarities between hadrons and leptons and the Examples of hadrons and Leptons that students may encounter in their studies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Photons and Annihilation
This page discusses photons and the process of matter-antimatter annihilation, which are important topics in Particles and Radiation a level Physics AQA.
Definition: A photon is a tiny packet of light energy, often considered as both a particle and a wave.
The energy of a photon is given by the equation E = hf, where h is Planck's constant and f is the frequency of the light.
The page then explains the concept of matter-antimatter annihilation:
Highlight: When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, converting their mass entirely into energy.
The energy produced in this process is calculated using Einstein's famous equation: E = mc²
Example: Calculation of energy released when an electron and positron annihilate:
- Mass of electron and positron: mₑ⁻ + mₑ⁺ = 1.82 × 10⁻³⁰ kg
- Energy released: E = mc² = 1.82 × 10⁻³⁰ × ² = 1.64 × 10⁻¹³ J
- Energy per photon: 0.82 × 10⁻¹³ J (as two photons are produced)
This process of annihilation and energy conversion is a fundamental concept in particle physics and is often featured in Exchange particles A Level Physics topics.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Fundamental Particles and Forces
This page introduces the basic concepts of particle physics, focusing on fundamental particles and the four fundamental forces. It provides an overview of the building blocks of matter and their interactions.
Definition: A fundamental particle is a particle with no internal structure, serving as a basic building block of matter.
The page discusses the composition of atoms, highlighting that protons and neutrons are made up of quarks. It introduces the first generation of particles, including up and down quarks, electrons, and electron neutrinos.
Vocabulary: Quarks are fundamental particles that make up hadrons like protons and neutrons.
The four fundamental forces in physics are listed from strongest to weakest:
- Strong nuclear force
- Electromagnetic force
- Weak nuclear force
- Gravity
Highlight: Understanding the four fundamental forces is crucial for comprehending particle interactions in Particle Physics A level notes.
The page also touches on the structure of atoms, showing how protons and neutrons form the nucleus while electrons orbit around it. This basic atomic structure is essential knowledge for students studying Particle Physics A Level Questions.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user