High Energy Physics

High energy physics, also known as particle physics, is the study of matter and forces at the smallest distance scales. Once we thought the atom was the smallest component of matter. Early in this century it was found that the atom was divisible into smaller pieces -- the nucleus and the surrounding electrons. Later, the nucleus in turn was found to be made of still smaller pieces -- the neutron and the proton. How many neutrons and protons you have tells you which chemical element you get. Now we know that the proton and neutron are themselves divisible. Each consists of three smaller objects called quarks held together by other particles called gluons.

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas we have a High Energy Theory Group and an Experimental High Energy Physics Group

If you would like to learn more about particle physics and the research being done in this field at the University of Kansas, please follow the links below.

Experimental High Energy Physics Group's Home Page

Information on particle physics for the general public

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Last Updated: January 13, 2006