what are quarks ? What shape ?

Answer 1

Quarks are subatomic particles that make up all protons and neutrons (those are what make up the nucleus of atoms).

A lot of care is needed when talking about things this small. Because of quantum effects, it really doesn't make sense to talk about the 'shape' of a subatomic particle. At this point, it seems that quarks (as wellas electrons) are point particles.

Answer 2

Quarks are fundamental particles in the "Standard model". As such, they have several well-defined properties, but a "shape" is not one of them: they are localized field excitiations.

Quite probably, quarks are composed entities of some deeper theory that we don't yet know or understand. Maybe something like a string theory. It's going to take some hard thinking by theoretical physicists to come up with a theory that works better than the "standard model", and unifies gravity with the other forces. Right now, the theories we've got are very good at explaining observed effects, but they sure are kludgy.

Answer 3

Quarks are subatomic particles of unknown shape.

Answer 4

They are the fundamental building blocks of our universe.

In Quantum Theory, its just a point particle. No dimension. All matter and forces are represent as particle.

In String Theory, they are made up of tiny vibrating strings of energy. The string is either open loop or close loop. Open loop strings, if I'm not mistaken, is said to be attach to a layer of membrane which represent our universe.

Answer 5

I think it's inconsistent to speak of "point particles" in situations where the uncertainty principle rules. How about "smudges?"

Answer 6

One of the basic matter particles, see the site below.