Definition

1. Noun:
   • An elementary particle with a negative charge and a half-life of 2 microseconds; decays to an electron and a neutrino and an antineutrino: A "negative muon" is a type of subatomic particle, specifically a lepton, that carries a negative electric charge. It is identical to the ordinary muon but is distinguished by its negative charge. It has a very short lifetime, decaying into other particles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The experiment detected the presence of a negative muon in the particle shower.
  • A negative muon can be captured by an atomic nucleus, forming a muonic atom.

Advanced Usage

• In particle physics: The term is used to specify the charge state of the muon, distinguishing it from its antiparticle, the positive muon (or antimuon).
  • The collision produced pairs of negative muons and positive muons.
• In muon-catalyzed fusion: Negative muons can facilitate nuclear fusion reactions at low temperatures.
  • Researchers are studying the potential of negative muons to catalyze fusion in hydrogen isotopes.

Variants and Related Words

• Muon (n): The broader category of particles encompassing both negative and positive muons. A muon is a fundamental particle similar to an electron but with greater mass.
• Antimuon / Positive muon (n): The antiparticle of the negative muon, possessing a positive electric charge.
• Muonic (adj): Relating to or involving muons.
  • The atom had a muonic structure due to the captured negative muon.

Synonyms

• Mu-minus (n): A common synonym in physics literature, often symbolized as μ⁻.
• Negative mu lepton (n): A more formal synonym emphasizing its classification as a lepton.

Related Phrases

• Muon decay: The process by which a muon transforms into other particles.
  • The observed products confirmed the standard model of negative muon decay.
• Muon capture: The process where a negative muon is captured by an atomic nucleus.
  • The rate of negative muon capture depends on the atomic number of the nucleus.

Noun

1. an elementary particle with a negative charge and a half-life of 2 microsecond; decays to electron and neutrino and antineutrino