How many hypothetical particles do we need

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    Hypothetical Particles
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the number of hypothetical particles that may be necessary for the standard model of particle physics to function effectively, particularly in relation to unresolved issues such as gravity and dark matter. The scope includes theoretical considerations and the implications of undiscovered particles on existing models.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how to define "work" in the context of the standard model.
  • One participant outlines the components of the standard model, including six leptons, six quarks, and force carrier particles.
  • Others mention the graviton as a necessary particle for theories of gravity and suggest that an unknown particle is needed to address dark matter issues.
  • References to WIMPs and MACHOs are provided as potential candidates related to dark matter.
  • It is noted that the standard model does not account for gravity or provide solutions for dark matter, indicating that open problems exist regarding what additional particles may be required.
  • Some participants argue that current gravitational theories do not necessitate a graviton, although quantizations of these theories might.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of "work" in relation to the standard model, and there is no consensus on the number or type of hypothetical particles needed to resolve existing issues like gravity and dark matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the current understanding of particle physics, particularly regarding the integration of gravity and dark matter into the standard model. There are unresolved assumptions about the nature and existence of additional particles.

wolram
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How many as yet undiscovered particles do we need to make the standard model work?
 
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Define "work".
 
Physicists have developed a theory called The standard model to explain how particles holds the universe together.
The standard model basically includes 6 leptons,6 quarks,Force carrier particles.
The quarks are classified as up,down,top,bottom,charm,strange.
The leptons are classified as electron,muon,tau,electron neutrino,muon neutrino,tau neutrino.
The force carriers include photons,gluons,W boson,Z boson.
 
wolram said:
The graviton is needed for our theories of gravity
Some as yet unknown particle is needed to make dark matter work.
etc.

graviton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graviton
Axion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axion
etc.
But the standard model does not deal with gravity, nor does it deal with a solution to the dark matter problem. Since the are open problems, we have no idea what is required.

Also, current gravitational theories do not require a graviton. Quantisations of them do.
 

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