particle crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "particle crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "particle crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ION: A charged atom or molecule, a common particle in chemistry and physics.
4 Letters
ATOM: The basic unit of a chemical element, often considered a fundamental particle in crosswords.
5 Letters
QUARK: A fundamental constituent of matter, a type of elementary particle.
6 Letters
PROTON: A stable subatomic particle with a positive electric charge, found in atomic nuclei.
7 Letters
NEUTRON: A subatomic particle with no net electric charge, found in atomic nuclei.
8 Letters
ELECTRON: A stable subatomic particle with a negative electric charge.
MOLECULE: A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, often referred to as a particle.
More About "particle crossword clue"
The term "particle" is a broad one, making it a versatile and sometimes tricky crossword clue. In physics, it can refer to anything from elementary particles (like quarks, leptons, and bosons) that are not composed of smaller particles, to composite particles (like protons and neutrons) made of quarks, or even larger entities like atoms and molecules. Crossword setters often use it to hint at these fundamental building blocks of matter.
When you encounter "particle" in a crossword, consider the context. Does the clue hint at physics (e.g., 'Smallest particle of an element' for ATOM), chemistry (e.g., 'Charged particle' for ION), or is it more general (e.g., 'Speck of dust' for a less scientific particle)? The length of the answer box is your primary guide, followed by any surrounding letters you've already filled in. Common answers tend to lean towards the subatomic or atomic realm, reflecting fundamental scientific concepts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by matching the number of letters in the clue's answer box. This is your most direct hint.
- Consider the Field: If the clue hints at 'particle,' think about which scientific field it might be referencing. Physics, chemistry, or even just general usage can lead to different answers.
- Look for Synonyms & Related Terms: Brainstorm synonyms for 'particle' such as 'atom,' 'ion,' 'speck,' 'fragment,' or specific types of particles like 'electron' or 'quark.'
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already placed to confirm or narrow down your choices for the "particle" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'particle' usually refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'particle' can refer to a wide range of entities, from fundamental subatomic particles like electrons and quarks, to atoms, ions, or even tiny fragments like dust or specks. The specific context of the clue and the number of letters usually narrows it down.
Are all 'particles' subatomic?
No, not all particles are subatomic. While subatomic particles (like protons, neutrons, electrons, quarks) are a common category, the term 'particle' in a general sense can also refer to atoms, molecules, or even macroscopic bits of matter like dust particles. In crosswords, it depends entirely on the clue's specific wording.
How can I improve my knowledge of scientific terms for crosswords?
To improve your scientific crossword vocabulary, try reading science-focused articles, using a thesaurus for common scientific terms, and paying attention to recurring themes in puzzles. Many crossword constructors use basic physics, chemistry, and biology terms, so a general understanding of these fields helps immensely.