Why Does the Electron have Mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the question of why electrons possess mass, highlighting the ongoing research at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) aimed at understanding mass in fundamental particles. Participants note that while the specific mass of the electron is a topic of inquiry, the broader question of why particles have mass remains unresolved. The Higgs boson is identified as a key element in this investigation, as it is theorized to be responsible for imparting mass to particles like electrons, protons, and neutrons.

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  • Basic understanding of quantum physics concepts
  • Familiarity with the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Knowledge of the Higgs mechanism and its implications
  • Awareness of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its role in particle research
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  • Research the Higgs boson and its discovery at the LHC
  • Study the Standard Model of particle physics in detail
  • Explore the implications of mass in quantum field theory
  • Investigate current experiments and findings related to particle mass at the LHC
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This discussion is beneficial for students of physics, researchers in particle physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of mass and its role in the universe.

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I was recently watching a PBS special about quantum physics and they asked why do electrons have mass. I found myself unable to answer this, although I am only in high school physics, but could any of you answer this? Thanks.
 
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We don't comlpetelly undersant why ANYTHiNG has mass, that is one of the things they are trying to understand at LHC (they will be looking for the Higgs boson).
Although I don't quite understand why you are asking specifically about the electron? In this respect the electron is no different than any other particle (proton, neutron etc).
 
A better question would be, why does the electron have the mass that is has?

If it didn't have mass the universe wouldn't be as it is.
 

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