PARTiCLE

Particle in physics, a particle is a small, localized object with properties like mass and charge, but in modern physics, it's best understood as a discrete excitation in a quantum field. While in classical mechanics a particle is a point-like object, the true nature of a particle is dual: it exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior. Fundamental particles, or elementary particles, are the smallest, indivisible building blocks of matter and energy, forming the basis of the universe. Classical Particle: A simple point-like object described by classical properties such as mass and charge, which determine how it interacts gravitationally and electromagnetically, respectively. Quantum Particle: A more complex concept, as quantum mechanics describes particles as wave packets that behave like waves before measurement but become localized when observed. The Quantum Field Perspective Quantum Fields: The prevailing view in particle physics, where the universe is seen as consisting of various quantum fields that fill all of space-time. Excitations: Particles are understood as localized excitations or discrete packets of energy within these fields. For example, a photon is an excitation of the electromagnetic field. Interaction: Particles are created and annihilated when energy is exchanged between these interacting fields. Fundamental vs. Composite Particles Elementary Particles: The most basic, indivisible units of matter, such as quarks, leptons, and photons. They are the smallest known constituents of the universe. Composite Particles: Particles that are made up of smaller, fundamental particles. Examples include protons and neutrons, which are composite particles made of quarks. Wave-Particle Duality Duality: A core concept in quantum physics, suggesting that particles can exhibit wave-like properties (like diffraction) and wave phenomena can exhibit particle-like properties (like discrete energy packets). Behavior: A particle's behavior depends on the context; it may act like a wave when traveling freely or like a localized particle when interacting with other objects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLIS4lq1mBE
But What Actually Is a Particle? How Quantum Fields Shape Reality