Is there a limit to the possible masses of particles in the universe?

In summary, according to quantum mechanics, any physical process has a certain probability of occurring as long as it is not forbidden by symmetry or conservation laws. At the CMS, an internship is being conducted to search for a Higgs-like particle with a mass above 125 GeV. Monte Carlo simulations have been used to simulate the signal of this particle at different masses. This suggests that there is a theory predicting a certain Higgs mass, making all simulated masses possible. However, it is unknown if there is anything preventing the existence of a particle at any given mass, as the laws of nature are not fully understood.
  • #1
Silviu
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Hello! I read that, according to quantum mechanics, any physical process must happen with a certain probability if it is not forbidden by symmetry/conservation laws. And now I just started an internship at the CMS aiming to find a Higgs like particle with mass higher that 125 GeV. And we have Monte Carlo simulations of the signal of this particle at different masses. My question is, as we are able to simulate the signal, it means we have some theory predicting a certain Higgs mass which means that all these simulated masses are possible to be achieved (as they can be modeled theoretical I assume there is nothing to prevent their existence). So I was wondering, is there anything that would prevent the existence of a particle at any mass? Like taking a random mass (300 GeV for example) does it mean that there is a particle in the universe having that mass?
 
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  • #2
You are mixing two different things of "possible" here.

The first one is "possible according to the laws of nature". If a process is possible, it has a non-zero probability. That is basically the definition of "possible".

The second one is "this could be a law of nature - we don't know, it is possible". The universe follows some laws which we do not know fully today. But it only follows a single set of fundamental laws (by definition).
There could be a particle type with a mass of 300 GeV - we don't know. But either there is, or there is not, and it is just a matter of our knowledge.
 
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1. What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. It provides a mathematical framework for understanding the fundamental principles and laws that govern the behavior of matter and energy on a very small scale.

2. How does quantum mechanics differ from classical mechanics?

Classical mechanics describes the behavior of macroscopic objects, while quantum mechanics describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. In classical mechanics, particles have definite positions and velocities, whereas in quantum mechanics, particles have wave-like properties and their exact position and velocity cannot be determined simultaneously.

3. What are the key principles of quantum mechanics?

The key principles of quantum mechanics include superposition, where a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and uncertainty, which states that the exact position and momentum of a particle cannot be known at the same time. Another important principle is wave-particle duality, which describes how particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors.

4. How is quantum mechanics applied in technology?

Quantum mechanics is the foundation for many modern technologies, such as transistors, lasers, and computer memory. It is also being studied for potential applications in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum teleportation.

5. What are the implications of quantum mechanics for our understanding of the universe?

Quantum mechanics challenges our traditional understanding of cause and effect and the concept of a deterministic universe. It also raises philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the role of human observation in shaping it. The study of quantum mechanics continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

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