Exploring the 'Particle Zoo'

The 'Particle Zoo' is the Standard Model in particle physics. This week we begin a series of articles looking at the inhabitants of the 'zoo'.

I somehow thought I could give a basic description of the Standard Model in 400 words or less - but I was completely mistaken. My basic description has turned into 5 articles, and there is still so much to cover on Standard Model.

I've been wanting to tackle this subject since I started the column, partly because it is so intimidating for most people, and partly because I find it so interesting. There is an incredible amount of depth to the subject, and it is still one of the most active areas of physics. At the very least, this series of articles will lay the groundwork for more complex topics later.