The first type of matter particles we will discuss are the
leptons.
There are six leptons; three carry one unit of electrical
charge and three are electrically neutral.
The best known lepton is the electron(e). The other two
negatively-charged leptons are the muon(µ) and the
tau( ),
which differ from electrons only in having a lot more mass.
The other three leptons are the very elusive
neutrinos
( )
They have no electrical charge and little, if any, mass.
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Leptons are like independent felines because they can exist without the companionship of other particles. Neutrinos are like fleas because they accompany the cats but are very hard to see.
Do YOU know why the name "lepton" is a misnomer?
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