The "Particle Zoo"

"Particle zoo" is a casual term for the incredible variety of observed particles. To the chagrin of theory, new particles are still occasionally found. Figure 2.1 on the previous page already gives an overview of the most important representatives of the particle zoo. All listed particles were actually observed and must be considered as really existing.

3.1 Important representatives of the particle zoo

Today, every school leaver has heard of electrons, protons or neutrons. Electrons e^- form the shell of atoms, they cause the chemical bond and are the cause of the electric current. Protons and neutrons are emitted by unstable, radioactive atomic nuclei. In simple conclusion one explains protons and neutrons to building blocks of the atomic nuclei, which are "orbited" by the electrons. But also atomic nuclei emit electrons (and positrons) during their decay. Moreover, as mentioned, many other particles or nuclear fragments are observed during their disintegration. So, if the construction, the structure of atomic nuclei and all observed particles are to be elucidated, a precise analysis of the fragments and their properties must precede. Based on this, a reconstruction must take place to show the real structures.

Unfortunately, the present physics does not go this analytical way. One hatches theories at the desk and invents always new 'theoretically necessary particles' for the explanation of the reality. Experimental physics is degraded to prove these theories and mind games. The enormous gap between wishful thinking and reality is no longer perceived. In a textbook of particle physics, for example, one can read: "The easiest way out would be the capitulation of experimental physicists and the admission that the experiments are wrong.

Tab. 3.1: Representatives of the "particle zoo" important for structural analysis