A What is the cause of the Mexican hat potential of the Higgs field?

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The discussion centers on the origins and implications of the Mexican hat potential in the Higgs field, highlighting its role in providing mass to fundamental particles through the Higgs mechanism. Participants express confusion about the underlying causes of the potential's shape, questioning whether it can be considered a "basic" cause or if it stems from deeper principles within the Standard Model. There is acknowledgment that while the Mexican hat potential fits observations, its derivation lacks a comprehensive theoretical foundation, leaving open questions about the interactions associated with it. The conversation touches on the limitations of current theories, such as Grand Unified Theories (GUTs), and the philosophical implications of endlessly asking "why." Ultimately, the discussion reflects the ongoing quest for deeper understanding in fundamental physics, emphasizing that many aspects remain unexplained.
  • #31
ohwilleke said:
in a pdf shorter than 339 pages

No need to read 339 pages, I wrote which section to read :angel:
 
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