CKM matrix

The CKM matrix is a mathematical tool in particle physics that describes how different types of quarks—fundamental particles making up protons and neutrons—transform into one another via the weak force. It shows the probabilities of one quark changing into another during certain interactions, reflecting the mixing of quark flavors. This mixing is essential for understanding phenomena like radioactive decay and the imbalance between matter and antimatter in the universe. In essence, the CKM matrix provides a precise way to quantify how quarks interconvert, revealing the underlying structure of the Standard Model of particle physics.