Nuclear and Plasma Physics

High Energy Physics

High-energy physics is examination of the subatomic particles, containing both matter and the carrier particles of the fundamental interactions as described by quantum field theory. Particle physics is concerned with structure and forces at this level of existence and below. Major particles possess properties such as electric charge, spin, mass, magnetism, and other complex characteristics, but are regarded as point like. All theories in particle physics involve quantum mechanics, in which symmetry is of primary importance. See also electroweak theory, lepton, meson, quantum chromo dynamics, and quark.