Does the Higgs field gravitate?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the Higgs field and its energy, and how it contributes to the overall vacuum energy. The question is raised about how the energy of the Higgs field may affect different environments, such as intergalactic space or the surface of a neutron star. It is also mentioned that the cosmological constant is smaller than the theoretical value, and the implications of this for the future of the universe are explored. The question of whether the Higgs field will eventually reach its ground state and potentially cause the end of the universe is also considered.
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newjerseyrunner
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Ive heard both that the Higgs field has a constant energy throughout space, but I also know that in GR all energy gravitates. Does the energy of non-ground state fields move around? If so, what effect would slightly more or less energy in the field have?
 
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The vacuum energy of the Higgs field contributes to the total vacuum energy. In theory it should gravitate by contributing to the cosmological constant. However, the experimental value of the cosmological constant is much smaller than the vacuum energy of the Higgs field, or any other similar contribution. It is not known why the cosmological constant is much smaller than the value given by the theory.
 
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Cool, does that imply that there is likely more energy in the Higgs field in intra vs intergalactic space or on the surface of a neutron star? Does that have any effect on the mass there? Mass comes from its interaction with the field, does that interaction change?

Does that also imply for deep time cosmology that the Higgs field will have less and less energy in vacuums as gravitationally bound system expand away from each other? Would the lower energy Higgs field eventually jump down to its ground state and obliterate the universe at c?
 

1. What is the Higgs field and how does it relate to gravity?

The Higgs field is a theoretical field that is thought to permeate all of space. It is responsible for giving particles their mass through the Higgs mechanism. While the Higgs field is related to gravity in that it affects the mass of particles, it is not directly responsible for gravity itself.

2. Does the Higgs field have its own gravitational pull?

No, the Higgs field does not have its own gravitational pull. It is the mass of particles, which is affected by the Higgs field, that contributes to the overall gravitational pull of an object.

3. How does the Higgs field interact with other fundamental forces?

The Higgs field interacts with other fundamental forces through the Higgs mechanism. This mechanism explains how particles gain mass through their interactions with the Higgs field, which in turn affects how they interact with other forces.

4. Is the Higgs field responsible for the curvature of spacetime?

No, the Higgs field is not responsible for the curvature of spacetime. This is the role of gravity, which is described by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

5. Can the Higgs field explain dark matter?

No, the Higgs field cannot explain dark matter. Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that does not interact with light, while the Higgs field and its associated particle, the Higgs boson, interact with other particles through the Higgs mechanism.

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