Matter and Interactions: a particle physics perspective

TL;DR

This paper explains the particle physics perspective where matter and fields are unified through particle exchanges, using Feynman diagrams and analogies to classical mechanics to make the concepts accessible.

Contribution

It introduces the particle physics view of matter and interactions, explaining Feynman diagrams with simple analogies suitable for high school students.

Findings

Clarifies the role of particles in mediating interactions

Provides an accessible explanation of Feynman diagrams

Connects classical mechanics concepts to particle physics

Abstract

In classical mechanics matter and fields are completely separated. Matter interacts with fields. For particle physicists this is not the case. Both matter and fields are represented by particles. Fundamental interactions are mediated by particles exchanged between matter particles. In this paper we explain why particle physicists believe in such a picture, introducing the technique of Feynman diagrams starting from very basic and popular analogies with classical mechanics, making the physics of elementary particles comprehensible even to high school students, the only prerequisite being the knowledge of the conservation of mechanical energy.