Meson

/ˈmɛsɒn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A meson is a type of subatomic particle that is made up of a quark and an antiquark, and is involved in the strong interaction that holds protons and neutrons together in atomic nuclei.

In particle physics, mesons play a crucial role in mediating the strong force between nucleons.

Mesons are unstable particles that decay into other particles and are important in the study of particle interactions.

The discovery of different types of mesons has helped physicists understand the complexities of the strong force.

There are various types of mesons, including pions and kaons, each with its own properties and interactions.

Pions are the lightest mesons and are often produced in high-energy collisions in particle accelerators.

Etymology

From the Greek 'mesos', meaning 'middle' or 'intermediate'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

meson exchange

A theoretical model describing the force between nucleons mediated by mesons.

pion meson

A specific type of meson that plays an important role in the strong force.

kaon meson

A type of meson that contains a strange quark.

Related Words

quark

A fundamental particle and a basic constituent of matter.

antiquark

The fundamental antiparticle of a quark.

hadron

A composite particle made of quarks held together by the strong force.