mixing angles

Mixing angles describe how different fundamental particles, like quarks or neutrinos, combine or "mix" to form the particles we observe. Think of them as a kind of rotation that determines the particle's identity and behavior, much like rotating a coordinate system to see how components align. These angles help scientists understand phenomena such as particle decays or oscillations, revealing the underlying rules of nature. Essentially, mixing angles quantify how the initial, individual particle states blend into observed particles, providing insights into the fundamental structure of matter.