After a theory accurately predicts experiment outcomes and an equation describes variables mathematically, it becomes a powerful tool for exploring different variable values.
However, this can become a problem.
Once a theory gains wide acceptance, there is usually little doubt about the validity of its equations. These equations define the variables for technical applications of the phenomena and contribute to the development of practical technologies. It is unnecessary to reiterate all the assumptions made while formulating the original mathematical equations. Engineers are tasked with studying and applying this knowledge to construct machines, devices, ships, and infrastructure like roads and dikes.
Engineers recognize that they have limited control over operational conditions. During the development phase, they create a set of specifications that outline the expected performance and the conditions under which the product is meant to operate. Engineers also understand that their creations will eventually degrade and may fail over time. To address this, they provide guidelines for proper use and operator training, which helps ensure usability through the repair and replacement of parts and components until maintenance becomes too costly. Engineers must always anticipate the effects of wear and tear during the product’s use.
In particle physics, we have made significant progress by studying fundamental particles in a manner that may be unexpected. Rather than starting with individual particles, we focus on breaking down atoms and nuclei using sophisticated proton collision machines. This approach is necessary because composite particles are extremely stable, and we require advanced methods to investigate them effectively.
Wikipedia:
In particle physics, an elementary particle or fundamental particle is a particle whose substructure (domain of the bigger structure which shares the similar characteristics of the domain) is unknown. Thus it is unknown whether it is composed of other particles. Known elementary particles include the fundamental fermions (quarks, leptons, antiquarks, and antileptons), which generally are “matter particles” and “antimatter particles,” as well as the fundamental bosons (gauge bosons and Higgs boson), which generally are “force particles” that mediate interactions among fermions. A particle containing two or more elementary particles is a composite particle.
It’s fascinating that certain particles are still uncertain whether they are composite or elementary particles. We understand that protons and neutrons are composite particles, but breaking them apart is incredibly challenging as they seem almost indestructible. Certain components, such as the electron, are considered fundamental because we can’t imagine a substructure existing, especially considering the phenomena attributed to an electron, such as electric charge. Some scientists nowadays argue that we should consider modeling the electron as a type of cloud. If we do this, we need to clearly state the underlying assumptions being made when discussing the electron, whether it is being treated as a point particle or a cloud or something else.
Unfortunately, the assumption that the electron is a point particle has been widely accepted without further clarification.