Can Einstein's theory explain the search for the Higgs Boson at LHC?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between Einstein's theory of relativity and the search for the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Participants explore concepts of mass, energy, and the implications of these theories in the context of particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the rationale behind searching for a particle that imparts mass, given Einstein's assertion that mass is a form of energy.
  • Another participant clarifies that special relativity describes the conversion of mass to energy and that the Higgs particle is part of a theory explaining the origin of mass.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that Einstein's theory also encompasses the conversion of energy to mass, positing that all matter is essentially cohesive energy within spacetime.
  • Participants note the distinction between special relativity, which dates back to 1905, and the more recent Higgs theory, which is part of quantum theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the relationship between Einstein's theories and the Higgs Boson. Participants express differing interpretations of mass and energy, and how these concepts relate to the search for the Higgs particle.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the compatibility of Einstein's theories with the Higgs mechanism, highlighting potential misunderstandings or missing principles that could reconcile these views.

rlinsurf
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As a layman, I'm having a problem with understanding the search at LHC for the Higgs Boson.

As I understand Einstein, all mass is nothing but energy. In that case, why are we looking for a particle which imbues mass?

For example, in Rutherford's experiment, at least in my mind's eye, when I apply Einstein, the result is because photons are neither particles or waves, but higher concentrations of energy moving in and with a field of lower concentrations of energy. I.e., light is neither a particle or wave, it is the universe waving.

That seems like a good way to understand Einstein. In that case, using a collider would naturally produce new particles never seen. If you smash two waves together you get new waves. And the harder you smash them, the mores waves you would produce. So wouldn't it then follow that we're simply seeing the potential of the universe to produce all kinds of exotic waves -- that usually don't last long -- by our producing them?

It seems like this isn't just an adjustment to Einstein, but an abandonment. So obviously, I'm missing some basic principle which allows both theories to coexist?
 
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Special relativity describes the conversion of mass to energy. However material stuff has rest mass (which is what is usually called mass) and the Higgs particle is part of a theory which explains where this mass comes from.
 
I always thought it also described the conversion of energy to mass. Wasn't that his larger point? That all matter is simply highly cohesive energy in space-time?
 
rlinsurf said:
I always thought it also described the conversion of energy to mass. Wasn't that his larger point? That all matter is simply highly cohesive energy in space-time?
Special relativity gives the relationship between mass and energy, when either is converted to the other. This theory (Einstein) dates from 1905.

The Higgs theory (due to Higgs) is much more recent. It is part of quantum theory.
 
Ok. Thanks.
 

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