Do colliders observe mass first-hand?

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In summary, the characteristics of particles are confirmed through experiments and theoretical models, and the mass of a particle is determined by measuring energy and momentum in interactions. The graviton, if it exists, may be discovered through colliders and theoretical predictions. Gravity may be considered as an omni-directional Monofield, but further contemplation is needed to fully understand it.
  • #1
jhe1984
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Are all of the characteristics of particles currently confirmed by tests?

For instance, while I understand that certain particles are prescribed certain masses - and that these particles can be observed in cloud chambers, etc - but is the mass itself confirmed in the lab? By what process?

Also - and this is probably worthy of another thread - how will the graviton (the actual particle, not the phenomenon of g waves or gravity) be "discovered" in the lab? Will this happen soon or is the graviton still very speculative currently?

Thanks

:cool:
 
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  • #2
What do you mean "how will it be discovered"? If it doesn't exist, it's not going to be discovered... But if it does, of course, it will be hopefully.
 
  • #3
Experiments and theoretical models have been going concurrently. As colliders have achieved higher energies, more particles have been discovered.

Take a look in the thread - Elementary Particles Presented - https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=43685
 
  • #4
Doesn't Gravity act like a omni-directional Monofield in some sence?
 
  • #5
jhe1984 said:
I understand that certain particles are prescribed certain masses - and that these particles can be observed in cloud chambers, etc - but is the mass itself confirmed in the lab? By what process?

In particle-physics experiments one determines the mass of a particle by measuring energy and momentum of the particles in an interaction that includes the particle in question, and applying conservation of energy and momentum, and the relationship

[tex]E^2 = (pc)^2 + (m_0 c^2)^2[/tex]

New particles have often first shown up as peaks in a histogram of [itex]E^2 - (pc)^2[/itex] where E and p are the total energy and momentum of the outgoing particles after an interaction, indicating that a particle with the corresponding mass was an "intermediate" particle in the reaction.
 
  • #6
Here is an example of the distribution mentioned by jtbell. This is from a published CDF result, showing the mass of a B-meson, reconstructed from its observable decay products.
 

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  • #7
Intuitive said:
Doesn't Gravity act like a omni-directional Monofield in some sence?
:rolleyes:

With all due respect, but allow me to contemplate on this raethorical question : "Do i understand myself, the words i have just written down ?"


regards
marlon
 

1. What is a collider and how does it observe mass first-hand?

A collider is a type of particle accelerator used in scientific experiments to study the properties of subatomic particles. It works by accelerating particles to high energies and then colliding them together. In these collisions, new particles can be created and their properties, including mass, can be observed first-hand through the use of various detectors.

2. Why is observing mass first-hand important in collider experiments?

Observing mass first-hand is important because it allows scientists to verify the existence of new particles and study their properties, such as their charge, spin, and interactions with other particles. This information is crucial in understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe and the forces that govern them.

3. How do colliders measure the mass of particles?

Colliders measure the mass of particles by analyzing the energy and momentum of the particles produced in the collisions. This information is then used to calculate the mass of the new particles, which is compared to theoretical predictions to verify their existence and properties.

4. Can colliders observe all types of mass in the universe?

No, colliders can only observe the mass of subatomic particles. The mass of larger objects, such as planets and stars, cannot be observed directly through collider experiments. However, the laws of physics discovered through collider experiments can be applied to explain the behavior of larger objects.

5. How do the results from collider experiments contribute to our understanding of the universe?

The results from collider experiments contribute to our understanding of the universe by providing evidence for new particles and their properties, which can help refine and expand existing theories in physics. They also allow scientists to test the predictions of these theories and potentially uncover new laws of nature.

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