What are the smaller sub-particles of the proton and neutron called?

The smaller sub-particles of the proton and neutron are called quarks. These fundamental particles combine in groups to form protons and neutrons, which are the building blocks of atomic nuclei. Quarks come in different types, known as "flavors," such as up, down, strange, charm, top, and bottom. Protons are made up of two up quarks and one down quark, while neutrons are composed of one up quark and two down quarks.

Understanding the composition of protons and neutrons is essential in physics, as it lays the groundwork for understanding atomic structure and the fundamental forces that govern interactions between particles. In contrast, electrons are not sub-particles of protons or neutrons; they are elementary particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom, while atoms are the smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element, and nuclei refer to the central part of an atom that contains protons and neutrons. This distinction highlights the specific role that quarks play in the subatomic structure.