neutrino flavor

Neutrino flavor refers to the type of neutrino—electron, muon, or tau—that is associated with particular particles produced in reactions like radioactive decay or cosmic rays. Each flavor corresponds to a different lepton (a family of particles including electrons and muons). Neutrinos can switch between these flavors as they travel, a phenomenon called oscillation. This means a neutrino born as one flavor can later be detected as another, revealing complex quantum behavior. Understanding neutrino flavors helps scientists learn about fundamental particles and the forces governing their interactions.