An overview of subatomic particles for non-physicists.
The particles used in radiation therapy are part of a larger universe of particles discovered by experimental physicists. May of these particles are themselves composed of particles. Understanding the way particles interact, and the forces underlying their interactions, is basic to the quest to understand the universe. High-energy physics studies in the past have identified the particles used in medicine; future studies may identify still others, but if not, may contribute to a better knowledge of the milieu in which medicine and other human endeavors exist.
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, Illinois 60560, USA. poole@fnal.gov
Leon M
LM
Lederman
D004601:Elementary Particles; D006283:Health Physics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D010825:Physics / Q000639:trends