What Would Happen Without the Higgs Boson?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of the existence or non-existence of the Higgs boson within the framework of the standard model of particle physics. Participants explore the potential consequences for particle interactions and the mechanisms of electroweak symmetry breaking, as well as the evidence supporting the Higgs boson and ongoing research efforts at CERN.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the implications for the standard model if the Higgs boson does not exist, particularly regarding the equation that describes particle interactions.
  • Another participant notes that without the Higgs boson, the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking would be unclear, leading to significantly smaller particle masses than observed.
  • Some participants mention alternative theories such as technicolor or "higgsless models" that could explain particle masses if the Higgs boson is absent, but emphasize the need for evidence of these alternatives.
  • There is a claim of substantial indirect evidence for the Higgs boson's existence, particularly its mass being around 100 GeV/c², based on quantum-level effects consistent with experimental data.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the timeline for finding the Higgs boson, suggesting that more data is needed and that higher energy levels may be required for detection.
  • Another participant proposes the possibility of a Higgs mechanism existing without the Higgs boson and seeks clarification on the specific equation being referenced in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the Higgs boson's existence and the potential for alternative models. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific equation in question and the timeline for future discoveries at CERN.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the Higgs boson and the definitions of the equations involved. The exploration of alternative models and their viability remains open-ended.

FeDeX_LaTeX
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Hello;

I was just wondering what would happen if the Higgs boson particle did exist or did not exist. If we conclude that it does not exist, what would happen to the standard model of particle physics, and the equation that describes how particles interact with each other? Because if the Higgs boson does not exist, what happens to this equation? Does it become obsolete?

My other question is what evidence do we have for the existence of the Higgs boson and the Higgs field? I have heard that they will be making another attempt to find it at CERN next month.

Thanks.
 
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what equation??

if the higgs does not exist, we are at something of a loss for the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking (that which says that E&M and weak nuclear force are different forces). In the current incantation of the standard model, the masses of the particles would be WAY too small (not necessarily zero! but not right). There could be things out there besides the Higgs boson (technicolor, various "higgsless models", etc.), but then we'd have to find evidence for these.

there is a LOT of indirect evidence that the standard Higgs boson exists and that its mass is near 100 GeV/c^2. This comes from computing the effects of the Higgs boson on observables at the QUANTUM level, and comparing those effects to experiment. They are all consistent with a SM higgs in that mass range. If such a particle exists, then the LHC will find it.

Only time will tell.
 
Dont know about finding the higgs next month. I believe they will need to accumulate a lot of data to have enough statistics to find any higgs. Also, they might have to go up to 14TeV which will not be done for another year or so. Right now they are rediscovering the standard model and looking for other signs of new physics.
 
There could be a Higgs Mechanism without the expected Higgs boson. I also want to know what equation you're talking about, unless you're referring to the standard model in a fanciful manner.
 

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