Tunneling from a True Vacuum to a False One: Is it Possible for the Higgs Field?

If the Higgs field could tunnel to a lower energy state, then that would be the new true vacuum. How much time would that process require?The time required for this process is extremely long, on the order of 10^100 years. It is highly unlikely for this to occur in the lifetime of the universe.
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emanaly
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Could the Higgs field in a true vacuum tunnel to a false one? How much time would that process require?
Could the Higgs field in a true vacuum tunnel to a false one? How much time would that process require?
 
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  • #2
emanaly said:
How much time would that process require?
You choose "A" tag for your thread, and you ask this question? It is like asking how long time it takes for one carbon.14 nuclei to decay, I hope you realize this...
 
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I was puzzled by this - note the use of "true" and "false". Isn't it more like a N-14 atom decaying to C-14?
 
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  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
I was puzzled by this - note the use of "true" and "false". Isn't it more like a N-14 atom decaying to C-14?
Actually yes, I was reading from false to true (because that is what is actually being studied, plus I thought it was the same as this recent thread https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-is-a-false-vacuum.1052894 )
 
  • #5
emanaly said:
Could the Higgs field in a true vacuum tunnel to a false one?
No, it doesn't have the energy to do that. By definition, the true vacuum is the lowest energy state.
 
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1. What is tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one?

Tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one refers to a theoretical process in which the Higgs field, a fundamental field in physics, transitions from its true vacuum state to a false vacuum state. This transition would result in a change in the fundamental properties of the universe, potentially leading to the collapse of the universe as we know it.

2. Is tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one possible?

The possibility of tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one is a topic of ongoing research and debate in the field of theoretical physics. While there are theories that suggest it is possible, there is currently no empirical evidence to support this idea. More research and experimentation is needed to determine the feasibility of this process.

3. What is the role of the Higgs field in this process?

The Higgs field is a fundamental field in physics that is responsible for giving particles their mass. In the context of tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one, the Higgs field plays a crucial role in determining the stability of the universe. A change in the Higgs field's vacuum state could have significant implications for the structure and properties of the universe.

4. What would happen if the Higgs field transitioned to a false vacuum state?

If the Higgs field were to transition to a false vacuum state, it would result in a change in the fundamental properties of the universe. This could potentially lead to the collapse of the universe, as the laws of physics as we know them would no longer apply. However, the exact consequences of this transition are still unknown and require further research.

5. How are scientists studying the possibility of tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one?

Scientists are studying the possibility of tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one through a combination of theoretical models and experimental data. Theoretical physicists use mathematical models to explore the potential consequences of this process, while experimental physicists conduct experiments to gather data and test these theories. This interdisciplinary approach allows scientists to gain a better understanding of the feasibility and implications of tunneling from a true vacuum to a false one.

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