What Would Happen Without the Higgs Boson?

In summary, the conversation discussed the implications of the Higgs boson's existence or non-existence on the standard model of particle physics and the equation that describes particle interactions. The possibility of other mechanisms and the evidence for the Higgs boson's existence were also mentioned, along with the ongoing efforts to find it at the CERN facility. Ultimately, the discovery of the Higgs boson will depend on accumulating enough data and potentially using higher energies.
  • #1
FeDeX_LaTeX
Gold Member
437
13
Hello;

I was just wondering what would happen if the Higgs boson particle did exist or did not exist. If we conclude that it does not exist, what would happen to the standard model of particle physics, and the equation that describes how particles interact with each other? Because if the Higgs boson does not exist, what happens to this equation? Does it become obsolete?

My other question is what evidence do we have for the existence of the Higgs boson and the Higgs field? I have heard that they will be making another attempt to find it at CERN next month.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
what equation??

if the higgs does not exist, we are at something of a loss for the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking (that which says that E&M and weak nuclear force are different forces). In the current incantation of the standard model, the masses of the particles would be WAY too small (not necessarily zero! but not right). There could be things out there besides the Higgs boson (technicolor, various "higgsless models", etc.), but then we'd have to find evidence for these.

there is a LOT of indirect evidence that the standard Higgs boson exists and that its mass is near 100 GeV/c^2. This comes from computing the effects of the Higgs boson on observables at the QUANTUM level, and comparing those effects to experiment. They are all consistent with a SM higgs in that mass range. If such a particle exists, then the LHC will find it.

Only time will tell.
 
  • #3
Dont know about finding the higgs next month. I believe they will need to accumulate a lot of data to have enough statistics to find any higgs. Also, they might have to go up to 14TeV which will not be done for another year or so. Right now they are rediscovering the standard model and looking for other signs of new physics.
 
  • #4
There could be a Higgs Mechanism without the expected Higgs boson. I also want to know what equation you're talking about, unless you're referring to the standard model in a fanciful manner.
 

1. What is the Higgs particle and why is it important in science?

The Higgs particle, also known as the Higgs boson, is a subatomic particle that was theorized to exist in the 1960s. It is important because it helps to explain how particles in the universe acquire mass, which is a fundamental property of matter.

2. How was the Higgs particle discovered?

The Higgs boson was discovered in 2012 by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The LHC is a particle accelerator that collides protons at high energies, recreating conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang. The Higgs particle was detected through its decay products.

3. What is the significance of the discovery of the Higgs particle?

The discovery of the Higgs particle confirmed the existence of the Higgs field, which is a field that permeates the entire universe and gives particles their mass. This discovery was a major milestone in particle physics and helped to validate the Standard Model of particle physics.

4. Can the Higgs particle be used for practical applications?

Currently, there are no known practical applications for the Higgs particle. However, the technology and scientific advancements used to discover and study the Higgs particle have led to numerous practical applications, such as medical imaging and cancer treatment.

5. What are some current research and developments related to the Higgs particle?

Scientists are continuing to study the properties of the Higgs particle and the Higgs field to gain a better understanding of the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. There are also ongoing efforts to discover new particles and phenomena related to the Higgs particle, such as supersymmetry.

Similar threads

I New Constraints On The Higgs Boson Width
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
I Does the Higgs Field Consist of Higgs Bosons?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
1K
B Why is the Higgs boson considered a boson?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
2K
I The Higgs field and boson - what's it's involvement in mass?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
I ATLAS and CMS see signs of Higgs->muons decay
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
17
Views
5K
A Branching ratios | Higgs phenomenology
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
B Exploring the Universe's Inflation: What is the Higgs Boson?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Why Does the Higgs Boson Prefer to Decay into W Bosons Over Z Bosons?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
B How does vibration affect the Higgs field interaction?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Higgs particle vs. Higgs field
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top