The building blocks of the stuff that makes up the universe are primarily called "particles" according to the standard physical model, like electrons, quarks (up and down quarks), and other fundamental particles. Matter as we know it is made up of these particles, which combine to form atoms and everything visible in the universe. There are around 17 fundamental particles in the standard model. Beyond this, the universe is composed of four main components: radiation, baryonic (ordinary) matter (made of particles), dark matter, and dark energy. Some recent theories suggest that fragments of energy rather than particles or waves may be even more fundamental building blocks. In summary, the fundamental constituents traditionally are fundamental particles, but energy fragments have been proposed as a deeper fundamental level.
Fundamental Particles
- The universe's matter mainly consists of electrons, up quarks, and down quarks which combine to form atoms.
- The Standard Model identifies about 17 fundamental particles constituting known matter.
Universe Composition
- The universe includes ordinary matter (particles), radiation, dark matter (unidentified particles), and dark energy (driving expansion).
- Ordinary matter accounts for less than 5% of the total universe's energy composition.
Alternative Theories
- Some physicists propose that fragments of energy are the most fundamental blocks rather than particles or waves.
- This theory views energy as flowing lines without beginning or end forming the basic fabric of the universe.
Thus, the basic "building blocks" of the universe are called fundamental particles or energy fragments, depending on the theoretical framework in use.
