Strange

Definition

Strange is a type of quark, one of the fundamental constituents of matter in particle physics. It carries a property called strangeness, which affects how it interacts with other particles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strange quarks have a charge of -1/3e.
2. They are heavier than up and down quarks but lighter than charm, bottom, and top quarks.
3. Strange quarks are part of the second generation of matter particles.
4. They can be found in particles such as kaons and lambda baryons.
5. The presence of strange quarks was first hypothesized to explain unexpected experimental results in cosmic ray interactions.

Related terms

Quark:

A fundamental particle that forms protons, neutrons, and other hadrons; comes in six flavors: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom.

Strangeness:

A property assigned to particles containing strange quarks; used to describe certain conservation laws in particle reactions.

Kaon:

A meson consisting of an up or down quark paired with a strange antiquark or vice versa; important in studying CP violation.