Muon family number

Definition

The muon family number is a quantum number assigned to leptons, specifically muons and their associated neutrinos, to represent the conservation of lepton family type in particle interactions. It is denoted by $L_\mu$.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The muon family number for a muon ($\mu^-$) is +1.
2. The antimuon ($\mu^+$) has a muon family number of -1.
3. Muon neutrinos ($\nu_\mu$) have a muon family number of +1.
4. Antimuon neutrinos ($\bar{\nu}_\mu$) have a muon family number of -1.
5. In particle interactions, the total muon family number before and after the interaction must be conserved.

Review Questions

• What is the muon family number of a $\u03BC^-$?
• Explain why the total muon family number must be conserved in particle interactions.
• Identify the muon family numbers for $\u03BD_\u03BC$ and $\overline{\u03BD}_\u03BC$.

Related terms

Lepton Family Number: A quantum number representing the conservation of each type of lepton (electron, muon, and tau families) in particle interactions.

$L_e$: $L_e$ represents the electron family number, with +1 for electrons and electron neutrinos, and -1 for positrons and electron antineutrinos.

$L_\tau$: $L_\tau$ denotes the tau family number, with +1 for taus and tau neutrinos, and -1 for antitaus and tau antineutrinos.