Revise: The Standard ModelThe Standard Model

Orders or magnitude allow physicists to compare very large and very small distances. The range of subatomic particles and fundamental forces are the cutting edge of modern physics.

Part ofPhysicsRevision guides: Particles and waves

The Standard Model

The Standard Model refers to the best 'model' of matter we have from current research based on the particles things are made from and how they interact. It also describes and explains three of the four known fundamental forces: the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force and the electromagnetic force. It doesn’t describe or explain gravity.

Refined models of what matter is made up of

According to the current standard model, there are two main groups of fundamental particles:

  • fermions – the particles which make up matter
  • bosons – the particles which give rise to forces