Definition

A type of particle that has a specific kind of spin and follows rules that prevent identical particles from being in the same state at the same time.

Example

Electrons are examples of fermions, which play a crucial role in the structure of matter.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a fermion?

Yeah, isn't it a type of particle like an electron?

Exactly! They have this unique property that no two fermions can be in the same state.

That's so interesting! Science has so many cool concepts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fermion → The word is derived from the name 'Fermi' (after the physicist Enrico Fermi) and the suffix '-on' (from Greek 'on', meaning particle). It refers to a type of particle named after Fermi, which obeys the Pauli exclusion principle and is a fundamental constituent of matter.

Memory Tip

Think of Enrico Fermi, the scientist who contributed to the understanding of particles, and remember that a fermion is a type of particle named in his honor.

Visually Confused Words