How Does the Higgs Field Relate to Our Understanding of Inertia?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between the Higgs field and the concept of inertia, particularly in the context of mass and particle behavior. Participants engage with theoretical implications and the nuances of quantum field theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the Higgs field can provide an explanation for inertia.
  • Another participant expresses concern that without a solid understanding of quantum field theory, a good description may not be achievable.
  • It is noted that even in the absence of the Higgs field, protons and neutrons would still possess mass, potentially due to the confinement energy of constituent quarks.
  • A question is raised about whether a static particle can have mass in the context of the Higgs scenario, with a response affirming that it can, while noting the usual caveats regarding the definition of "static."
  • Clarification is provided that "static" could imply a state close to absolute zero temperature, although this definition may not be universally accepted.
  • A participant asserts that individual particles do not possess a temperature, which may challenge the previous notion of static particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views and remains unresolved, particularly regarding the implications of the Higgs field on inertia and the definitions of static particles.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the adequacy of analogies related to the Higgs field and inertia, and there are unresolved questions about the definitions and implications of mass and temperature in this context.

Pouya Pourkarim
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Is there any way to approach to some kind of explanation for inertia,from higgs field?
 
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How much quantum field theory do you know?
 
mfb said:
How much quantum field theory do you know?

I don’t know I’ve just finished my B.Sc quantum physics
 
Then I fear there is no good description. There are various analogies around but I don't think any of them accurately describes what is going on.
 
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mfb said:
Then I fear there is no good description. There are various analogies around but I don't think any of them accurately describes what is going on.

Thank you anyways
 
Even if there was no Higgs field, proton and neutron would still have mass.
 
mitchell porter said:
Even if there was no Higgs field, proton and neutron would still have mass.
Because of the constituent quarks’ confinement energy?

Can a static particle have mass in the Higgs scenario then?IH
 
Islam Hassan said:
Can a static particle have mass in the Higgs scenario then?
Sure (with the usual caveats for what "static" means). Electrons for example have mass.
 
Static to my mind would mean quasi-0 K temperature...it this the generally accepted meaning?
 
  • #10
Individual particles do not have a temperature.
 

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