The Higgs field is not classified as a fifth fundamental force due to its unique characteristics, primarily its spin-zero nature and lack of association with gauge local symmetry. Although the Higgs boson, with a mass of 126 GeV, confirms the field's existence, its effects are minimal compared to the weak force mediated by W and Z bosons. The Higgs interaction does not possess conserved charges, further distinguishing it from other fundamental forces. Discussions around categorizing the Higgs as a force often lead to semantic debates rather than scientific consensus.
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The Higgs mass of 126 GeV is not huge compared to the masses of the W and Z (80 and 90 GeV) which mediate the weak force. As a "fifth force" the Higgs boson could mediate for example between fermion-antifermion pairs or gauge boson pairs, but these particles are extremely short-lived -- with the exception of electrons and muons, and for those cases the coupling constant is extremely small.tom.stoer said:In some general sense - yes. The effect of this force (in addition to the creation of particle masses) is tiny due to the huge Higgs mass.
kurros said:It is quite different from the "other forces" on account of being spin zero instead of one. But yeah, no-one talks about forces like this in particle physics unless they are giving a seminar for a general audience. Especially when you throw in things like supersymmetry, which cause the categorisation to become even more meaningless.
dauto said:gravity is also different being a spin 2 instead of one. The original post has a point. The Higgs interaction could be considered a 5th force. What makes the Higgs interaction different is the fact that - unlike the other forces - it is not related to a gauge local symmetry and doesn't have any conserved charges associated with it.