Top quark lifetime
This is the average time a top quark exists before it decays into other particles.
Also known as: top lifetime
How big is it?
5 × 10⁻²⁵ s · representative lifetime
Representative lifetime · derived estimate
Typical recorded range: 4 × 10⁻²⁵ s to 6 × 10⁻²⁵ s.
A little perspective
Top quark lifetime vs Atomic-scale transition: duration comparison
The duration of an atomic-scale transition is about 2 × 10⁹ times the lifetime of a top quark.
ELAPSED TIME
This is the average time a top quark exists before it decays into other particles.
Too small to see at this scale; the bar has not been widened.
An atomic-scale transition is a rapid change in the energy state of an atom, often occurring in extremely short intervals.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Top quark lifetime
Representative lifetime: 5 × 10⁻²⁵ s; derived estimate; range 4 × 10⁻²⁵ s–6 × 10⁻²⁵ s.
A representative roughly 5 × 10⁻²⁵ s lifetime inferred from the top-quark decay width. It decays before hadronising; this is not a directly clocked interval.
The marked representative lifetime is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Atomic-scale transition
Time: 1 fs; reference interval.
A chosen femtosecond process interval; real transitions span many timescales.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 × 10⁻²⁵ s
We compare the lifetime of a top quark. The measurement is labelled derived estimate. Check the source notes for its basis. The recorded range is 4 × 10⁻²⁵ s to 6 × 10⁻²⁵ s.
A representative roughly 5 × 10⁻²⁵ s lifetime inferred from the top-quark decay width. It decays before hadronising; this is not a directly clocked interval.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 10⁻²⁵ s | 4 × 10⁻²⁵ s to 6 × 10⁻²⁵ s | derived estimate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTime and durationPlanck time5.391 × 10⁻⁴⁴ sTimePlanck time is the theoretical shortest meaningful interval of time, defined using fundamental physical constants.Nearest higher valueTime and durationAtomic-scale transition1 fsTimeAn atomic-scale transition is a rapid change in the energy state of an atom, often occurring in extremely short intervals.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- CERN — The Standard ModelThe top quark is the heaviest third-generation quark and decays extremely rapidly; its lifetime is inferred from the decay width.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TimeAtomic-scale transition1 fsAn atomic-scale transition is a rapid change in the energy state of an atom, often occurring in extremely short intervals.TimePlanck time5.391 × 10⁻⁴⁴ sPlanck time is the theoretical shortest meaningful interval of time, defined using fundamental physical constants.Fundamental physicsCaesium-133 clock transition108.8 psThe caesium-133 clock transition is the specific change in energy state of a caesium-133 atom that defines the duration of one second in the International System of Units.TimeMuon lifetime2.197 µsMuon lifetime is the average time a free muon exists before decaying into other particles, such as an electron and neutrinos.
Fundamental physicsPlanck length1.616 × 10⁻³⁵ mThe Planck length is a scale formed from fundamental physical constants.TimeCamera flash1 msA camera flash is a brief, intense burst of light used to illuminate a scene for photography.
TimeCinema frame at 24 frames per second41.67 msA cinema frame at 24 frames per second is the time interval between consecutive images in standard film projection.TimeBlink of an eye150 msA blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.