The Standard Model

The Standard Model is a theory attempts to explain particle interaction. Current understanding shows that there are:

6 Quarks

6 Leptons

3 Force Particles

!

The main drawback to the modern Standard Model is that it lacks an explanation for gravity. Some theorists are suggesting that there may be force particles called gravitrons, but that theory is still being developed.

Quarks

Quarks are what make up the bulk of known matter in terms of mass. The heaviest particles, they make up the protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.

Leptons

Derived from the word for 'Light' (as in mass) leptons make up electrons. Tiny almost massless particles, they include electrons and neutrinos.

For a more complete explanation:

Quarks, Leptons, and Other Particles

The main point of the Standard Model is to explain the interaction between these particles, and a large part of this is understanding which particles affect which others. Here is a diagram showing which particles interact with which. If two particles interact, there will be a line between the two in the graph.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Elementary_particle_interactions.svg/400px-Elementary_particle_interactions.svg.png

Sources and Links

The Particle Adventure

Wikipedia: Standard Model