<p align="right">Last Update: <font color="#4f81bd">July, 25, 2024</font></p> ## BIG IDEAS - Objects can be simplified to a single point known as a particle. - The particle model of motion is a simplification and an approximation of reality. >A point particle is an appropriate representation of any object whenever its size, shape, and structure are irrelevant to solving a physics problem. ### In Classical Physics A point particle is an idealized object of infinitesimally small size that has mass but no spatial extent. ### In Quantum Physics Particles in quantum mechanics such as electrons, quarks, and photons are often treated as point particles, meaning they are considered to have no internal structure or size. --- Return [[Home|Home]] | [[Mechanics]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Kinematics/Kinematics|Kinematics]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Dynamics/Dynamics|Dynamics]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Kinematics/1D Motion/Position|Position]] | [[Displacement]] | [[Speed]]