strange particle
Noun: An elementary particle that possesses a non-zero value of a quantum property known as strangeness. This property is conserved in strong and electromagnetic interactions but not in weak interactions. Strange particles are typically produced through strong interactions but decay via the weak interaction, which is why they have relatively long lifetimes compared to other particles produced in high-energy collisions.
The term is used specifically in the field of particle physics to classify certain subatomic particles. - The kaon (K meson) is a classic example of a strange particle. - Scientists detected the decay products of a strange particle in the cloud chamber.
- Strangeness Quantum Number: The defining characteristic. Strangeness (S) is an integer value (e.g., S = +1, -1, -2). A particle with S ≠ 0 is a strange particle.
- Associated Production: Strange particles are often produced in pairs (one with positive strangeness, one with negative) to conserve strangeness in strong interactions.
- Weak Decay: Their decay violates strangeness conservation, which is why their decay is mediated by the weak nuclear force and is relatively slow.
- Strangeness (n): The quantum number that defines a strange particle.
- Kaon (K meson) (n): A common type of strange particle, a meson containing a strange quark or antiquark.
- Lambda baryon (Λ) (n): A common type of strange particle, a baryon containing a strange quark.
- Charmed particle (n): A related concept for particles containing a charm quark, following the same naming pattern for heavy quarks.
- Particle with strangeness (Technical synonym)
- S-particle (Less common technical abbreviation)
This term has a single, highly technical meaning within particle physics. It does not have idiomatic or colloquial uses. The "strange" in the name is historical, originating from the particles' unexpectedly long lifetimes when first discovered, not from any peculiar behavior in the everyday sense of the word.
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an elementary particle with non-zero strangeness
