Article
Article
Standard model
Article By:
Peskin, Michael E. Stanford Linear Acceleration Center, Menlo Park, California.
Last reviewed:August 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.650950
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The theory that explains the three fundamental interactions of elementary particle physics—the strong interaction responsible for nuclear forces, the weak interaction responsible for radioactive decay, and the electromagnetic interaction—in terms of a common physical picture. The standard model developed in the second half of the twentieth century, based on earlier discoveries in quantum mechanics and particle physics. In recent decades, the standard model has driven a highly successful experimental program that has borne out many of its predictions to high levels of precision. In total, the standard model of particle physics describes 17 elementary particles, including six quarks, six leptons, four gauge bosons, and the Higgs boson (Fig. 1). See also: Elementary particle; Fundamental interaction; Physics; Quantum mechanics
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