quantum chromodynamics

In physics, a theory describing the interactions of quarks, the elementary particles that make up all hadrons (subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons). In quantum chromodynamics, quarks are considered to interact by exchanging particles called gluons, which carry the strong nuclear force, and whose role is to ‘glue’ quarks together.

The mathematics involved in the theory is complex, and, although a number of successful predictions have been made, the theory does not compare in accuracy with quantum electrodynamics, upon which it is modelled. See forces, fundamental.