1 microsecond
1 µsTime · definition
Time conversions use a Julian year of exactly 365.25 days.
Time
Just how long is 1 microsecond?
One microsecond is one millionth of a second (10⁻⁶ s).
In a blink
1 µs
ELAPSED TIME
1 microsecond
Time conversions use a Julian year of exactly 365.25 days.
1 µsTime
0
Muon lifetime
Muon lifetime is the average time a free muon exists before decaying into other particles, such as an electron and neutrinos.
2.197 µsMean lifetime
0
Both timelines start together. Length measures elapsed time, not a physical distance.
A little perspective
The lifetime of a muon is about 2.2 times 1 microsecond.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
1 microsecond
Time: 1 µs; definition.
Time conversions use a Julian year of exactly 365.25 days.
Muon lifetime
Mean lifetime: 2.197 µs; measured; range 2.197 µs–2.197 µs.
A free positive muon has a mean lifetime of about 2.197 microseconds before decay. This is a statistical mean, not an identical lifetime for every muon.
Particle Data Group — Muon properties
The marked mean lifetime is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Why these numbers?
Compare 1 microsecond with the lifetime of a muon. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Muon lifetime
2.197 µsMean lifetime · measured · range 2.197 µs–2.197 µs
A free positive muon has a mean lifetime of about 2.197 microseconds before decay. This is a statistical mean, not an identical lifetime for every muon.
- Comparing
- Time ↔ Mean lifetime
- Relative size
- The lifetime of a muon is about 2.2 times 1 microsecond. The lifetime of a muon is approximately 120% greater than 1 microsecond.
How to read the visual
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
- We use 2.197 µs for the lifetime of a muon; the recorded range is 2.197 µs–2.197 µs.
- The lifetime of a muon: This is a measured value; check the notes for its source and scope.
A duration is an interval, not a calendar date.
1 × 10⁻⁶ sseconds
2.7778 × 10⁻¹⁰ hhours
1.1574 × 10⁻¹¹ daysdays
3.1688 × 10⁻¹⁴ yearsyears
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