lambda particle

subatomic particle

Also known as: Λ particle

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

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The lambda particle, denoted as \u039b⁰, is a type of hyperon, which is a subatomic particle belonging to the baryon group. Hyperons are composed of three quarks and are more massive than protons and neutrons.123

Specifically, the lambda particle is an uncharged, unstable elementary particle with a mass approximately 2183 times that of an electron. It typically decays into a nucleon and a pion. The lambda particle is distinct from nucleons because it contains at least one strange quark. It is one of the lighter hyperons, with others including sigma, xi, and omega-minus particles. The discovery of these particles, including the lambda, was aided by the Eightfold Way classification system for hadrons.413

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subatomic particle
The development of quark theory
…strange particle known as the lambda (Λ) particle contains uds, which gives the correct total charge of 0 and a strangeness of −1. Using this system, the lambda can be viewed as a neutron with one down quark changed to a strange quark; charge and spin remain the same, but…
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…strange particle known as the lambda (Λ) particle contains uds, which gives the correct total charge of 0 and a strangeness of −1. Using this system, the lambda can be viewed as a neutron with one down quark changed to a strange quark; charge and spin remain the same, but…
Read More