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 · derived estimate
Typical recorded range: 4 × 10⁻²⁵ s to 6 × 10⁻²⁵ s.
A little perspective
Atomic-scale transition is about 2 × 10⁹ times larger on this measurement.
Atomic-scale transition: 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
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
A chosen femtosecond process interval; real transitions span many timescales.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Change your perspective
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 × 10⁻²⁵ s
For comparison, this page uses representative lifetime. The record labels the measurement derived estimate; that status is retained wherever the value is compared. 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Top quark lifetime 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible time records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · TimePlanck time5.391 × 10⁻⁴⁴ sPlanck time is the theoretical shortest meaningful interval of time, defined using fundamental physical constants.Nearest higher value · TimeAtomic-scale transition1 fsAn 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.