They first divided subatomic particles into two broad groups based on whether the particles are affected by the strong nuclear force. The strong nuclear force is what holds the nucleus of an atom together; it acts over very short distances (10
-15 meters) and allows similarly charged protons to exist close to each other. It is one of the four basic forces; the other three are gravity, electromagnetism, and the weak nuclear force. Particles affected by the strong nuclear force are called
hadrons. Examples of hadrons are protons and neutrons. Particles that are not affected by the strong nuclear force are called
leptons. There are six types of leptons, one of which is the electron. Leptons are said to be fundamental particles because they do not seem to be made up of simpler structures.
Unlike leptons, there are hundreds of types of hadrons. These particles can be subdivided into two groups called mesons and baryons. These groups are based on the particles' spin. Subatomic particles behave as though they are spinning balls carrying an electric charge. Spin is a measure of both the speed at which the particle is spinning and the mass of the particle.
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