The Particle Zoo

The Particle Zoo

1. Cosmic Rays

   • Most are fast-moving protons or small nuclei
   • They collide with gas atoms in the atmosphere, creating showers of particles and antiparticles that can be detected at ground level

2. Muon

   • Also known as a heavy electron with symbol μ
   • A negatively charged particle with a rest mass over 200 times the rest mass of the electron

3. Pion

   • Also known as a pi meson
   • A particle which can be positively charged, negatively charged or neutral, and has a rest mass greater than a muon and less than a proton

4. Kaon

   • Also know as a K meson
   • A particle that can be positively charged, negatively charged of neutrol and has a rest mass greater than a pion but still less than a proton