noun a tiny piece of matter
In chemistry, a particle refers to a small portion of matter, such as an atom or molecule, that exhibits the properties of the substance.
In physics, a particle is a small localized object to which can be ascribed several physical or chemical properties such as volume, mass, and momentum.
Particle physics is a branch of physics that studies the nature and behavior of subatomic particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrinos.
In cosmology, particles play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of the universe, such as dark matter particles and cosmic rays.
In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wave functions that represent the probability of finding the particle in a particular state.
In the field of physics, a particle is a minute fragment or quantity of matter. Writers may use the term 'particle' in a metaphorical sense to describe small, individual elements of a larger whole in their writing.
Psychologists may use the term 'particle' when discussing cognitive processes or behavior at a micro-level, such as individual thoughts or actions that make up a larger pattern or system.
Chemists use the term 'particle' to refer to the smallest unit of a substance that retains the chemical properties of that substance. They may study the behavior and interactions of particles in various chemical reactions.
Biologists may refer to cells or subcellular structures as particles when studying biological processes at a microscopic level. They may also use the term in the context of particle biology or particle ecology.
Engineers may use the term 'particle' when discussing the movement or behavior of small solid objects in fluids, such as in particle physics or fluid dynamics. They may also refer to particles in materials science and engineering.