What type of particle is a hadron classified as?

A hadron is classified as a composite particle because it is made up of multiple constituent quarks, which are held together by the strong force. Hadrons include two main categories: baryons, which consist of three quarks (like protons and neutrons), and mesons, which consist of a quark and an anti-quark pair. The definition of a composite particle highlights that hadrons are not fundamental components of matter; rather, they are complex structures formed from quarks, making them distinct from fundamental particles, which cannot be broken down into simpler constituents.

In contrast, fundamental particles cannot be divided into smaller components and include entities like quarks and leptons. Gauge bosons are exchange particles responsible for mediating the fundamental forces, and leptons are a separate class of fundamental particles, which do not partake in strong interactions. Hence, "composite particle" accurately describes the structure of hadrons, confirming the classification as correct.