Which of the following best describes hadrons?

Hadrons are best described as subatomic particles that experience the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. This force is responsible for holding the components of atomic nuclei together, specifically protons and neutrons. Hadrons are classified into two main categories: baryons, which are made of three quarks, and mesons, which are made of a quark and an antiquark.

The strong nuclear force plays a crucial role in the interactions that occur between hadrons. It binds quarks together to form hadrons and also governs the interactions between hadrons themselves. This description captures the essence of what hadrons are and highlights their significance in the structure of matter.

In contrast, fundamental particles that do not interact with the strong nuclear force are classified as leptons, which include electrons and neutrinos. Hadrons are not made of leptons; rather, they are composed of quarks. Additionally, hadrons can and do form composite states, as seen in the formation of atomic nuclei. Thus, the correct characterization of hadrons emphasizes their relationship with the strong nuclear force and their composite nature.