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muonium
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muonium

particle physics
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History

muonium, short-lived quasi-atom composed of a positive muon (an antiparticle), as nucleus, and an ordinary negative electron. It is formed when a positive muon captures an atomic electron after being slowed down in matter. Muoniums form a few compounds with gases such as nitrogen dioxide and ethylene. Muonium research throws some light on the puzzling nature of muons (essentially heavy electrons) and their relation to ordinary electrons.