The strange quark is one of the six types of fundamental particles known as quarks. It has a charge of -1/3 and is a key component of certain hadrons, such as kaons and hyperons. Strange quarks are heavier than the more common up and down quarks, contributing to the unique properties of particles that contain them. Strange quarks play a significant role in the study of particle physics and the Standard Model, which describes the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. They are involved in processes that can lead to the creation of particles with unusual properties, helping scientists understand the behavior of matter at a fundamental level.