Particle physics is the branch of science that studies the fundamental particles that make up matter and radiation. These particles include quarks, leptons, and bosons, which are the building blocks of everything in the universe. Researchers use powerful machines like the Large Hadron Collider to collide particles at high speeds, allowing them to observe the interactions and properties of these tiny components. The field aims to understand the forces that govern particle behavior, such as the strong force, weak force, and electromagnetism. By exploring these interactions, scientists hope to uncover the underlying principles of the universe, including the origins of mass and the nature of dark matter.