The Mystery of Proton Decay: Unveiling the Role of the Higgs Field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of the Higgs field in relation to proton decay, exploring theoretical implications and references related to Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) and the Standard Model of particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the significance of the Higgs field in causing proton decay.
  • Multiple participants request references to support claims regarding the Higgs field and proton decay.
  • Some participants assert that the Standard Model Higgs does not lead to proton decay, suggesting that the discussion may involve GUTs instead.
  • There is a call for clarification on the origin of the initial question regarding the Higgs field's role.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the role of the Higgs field in proton decay, with some asserting that the Standard Model Higgs does not cause it, while others appear to be exploring the question further.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential confusion between the Standard Model and Grand Unified Theories, indicating that assumptions about the Higgs field's role may depend on the theoretical framework being referenced.

CleverBoy
What is so special about the Higgs field that causes protons to decay?
 
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Do you have a reference for that?

Maybe you mean someyhing like:
https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=-dpeWl3mwNAC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=higgs+field+proton+decay&source=bl&ots=95xpQNpenp&sig=OM_8vWPEx-dz9rywvWagCtLyH0c&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBGoVChMIrLCp0__txwIVwdimCh2wOg6l#v=onepage&q=higgs%20field%20proton%20decay&f=false
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Simon Bridge said:
Do you have a reference for that?

Maybe you mean someyhing like:
https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=-dpeWl3mwNAC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=higgs+field+proton+decay&source=bl&ots=95xpQNpenp&sig=OM_8vWPEx-dz9rywvWagCtLyH0c&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBGoVChMIrLCp0__txwIVwdimCh2wOg6l#v=onepage&q=higgs%20field%20proton%20decay&f=false

That reference is describing a GUT. OP, the Standard Model Higgs does not cause proton decay.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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fzero said:
That reference is describing a GUT. OP, the Standard Model Higgs does not cause proton decay.
This is why I'd like to see where the question originates.
 

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