Electro Weak Unification Theory

In summary, the conversation discussed the relationship between Electro Weak forces, mechanism and mathematics. It was mentioned that mathematics is the language of physics and that the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam theory is a phenomenological approach that assumes a relationship between electromagnetic and weak interactions. There was also a mention of the possibility of more sophisticated unification theories that could provide a deeper understanding of this relationship.
  • #1
Jimmy D
2
0
Hello all,
I'm curious about Electro Weak relationship.
I differentiate between mechanism and mathematics, with the equilibrium falling heavily to the left.
Good with the former, weaker with the latter.
Anybody aware of relevant philosophy/findings?
Thanks much.
Jim
 
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  • #2
The mathematics is the physics. Descriptions in words are always just attempts to describe the formulas, and they are never very accurate.
 
  • #3
Understood.
I've always considered math to be a language. Translation can be difficult.
 
  • #4
For the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam Electroweak theory, I do not think there is any deep philosophical reason behind. Basically, electromagnetic interaction and weak have certain similarities (in particular the photon and the Z boson), and it is assumed that this similarity has certain underlying relationship with one or more parameter (it is the Weinberg mixing angle between the more fundamental B and W3 fields).

This parameter is measured to be none zero. However, I do not think being zero would break any established theory, at least in the standard model regime (in which Weinberg angle is a free parameter). Therefore GWS electroweak is to some extent phenomenological. If you are looking for 'philosophical' reasons, you might need more sophisticated unification theories in which the Weinberg mixing angle is a derived constant instead of a free parameter.
 

1. What is Electro Weak Unification Theory?

Electro Weak Unification Theory, also known as the Electroweak Theory or the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam Theory, is a unification of two of the fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force. It explains how these two forces are related and how they work together to govern the behavior of subatomic particles.

2. What does the Electro Weak Unification Theory predict?

The Electro Weak Unification Theory predicts the existence of a new particle called the Higgs boson, which is responsible for giving mass to other particles. It also predicts the existence of massive particles called W and Z bosons, which mediate the weak nuclear force.

3. How was the Electro Weak Unification Theory developed?

The theory was developed in the 1960s by physicists Sheldon Glashow, Abdus Salam, and Steven Weinberg. They combined the theories of quantum electrodynamics and weak interactions to create a unified theory of the two forces.

4. Has the Electro Weak Unification Theory been proven?

Yes, the predictions of the Electro Weak Unification Theory have been confirmed by experiments at the Large Hadron Collider. In 2012, scientists announced the discovery of the Higgs boson, providing strong evidence for the validity of the theory.

5. How does the Electro Weak Unification Theory relate to the Standard Model of particle physics?

The Electro Weak Unification Theory is a key component of the Standard Model of particle physics, which is the most widely accepted theory of how the universe works at the subatomic level. It explains the behavior of three of the four fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism, the weak nuclear force, and the strong nuclear force.

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