LHC and the Higgs Boson...

kelly1

Hello all, just wondering, if the Higgs is discovered, how many missing pieces of the jigsaw would this leave? Dark Matter maybe? Where's all the anti-matter?

Thanks,
Noel.

Kevster

hehe, unfortunately, there will always be pieces missing from the jigsaw. It has been shown that when we answer one question, a whole lot of other questions arise. The Higg's Boson is the particle that confers mass to particles, theoretically-speaking; that's all I know.

Kevin

marco_polo

We have yet to unravel mystery of what gravity is. That should keep scientists busy for at least another few decades or so.

kelly1

Kevster wrote: »

hehe, unfortunately, there will always be pieces missing from the jigsaw. It has been shown that when we answer one question, a whole lot of other questions arise.

I'm with you on that one but possibly for different reasons. I believe in God

Kevster wrote: »

The Higg's Boson is the particle that confers mass to particles, theoretically-speaking; that's all I know.

That's about all I know about it too.

kelly1

marco_polo wrote: »

We have yet to unravel mystery of what gravity is. That should keep scientists busy for at least another few decades or so.

Oh really? I thought it was explained by spacetime curvature and general relativity...

Morbert

kelly1 wrote: »

Oh really? I thought it was explained by spacetime curvature and general relativity...

Einstein's theory of gravity is a good description when we're dealing with the large scales of cosmology. But, unfortunately, we have not been able to get general relativity to gel with quantum mechanics, which deals with very small scales. We have a theory of gravity, but no theory of quantum gravity, as our standard model of particle physics isn't really compatible with the curved spacetime of relativity.

As for the Higgs particle: Physicists use the concept of symmetry and symmetry 'groups' to help understand relationships between particles. (A group is a collection of mathematical objects/elements that obeys certain rules). There is a special symmetry group, called the electroweak symmetry group, that describes the nature and interactions of particles associated with the electromagnetic force and the weak nuclear force. The force particles in question, however, exhibit certain asymmetrical properties that are described by a 'spontaneous symmetry breaking' that happened near the beginning of the universe, which resulted in distinct force particles (These particles are the photon and W and Z bosons). In order for the idea of symmetry breaking to work, a special type of field (called the Higgs field) was invoked to explain the differing masses of the particles. The particle associated with this field is the Higgs particle. If physicists manage to find this particle, the idea of symmetry breaking and the standard model will be supported, and physicists everywhere will consume large amounts of alcohol to celebrate.

Kevster

Gravity is explained by both of those - yeh - but scientists are yet to find the theoretical particles that allow gavity to exert force (The so-called 'Gravitons'). However, they do know one thing: Gravitons travel at light-speed. This has been proven by observing the pulling effect of the moon on the tides during lunar eclipses.

Interestingly, gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces (Strong Nuclear Force, Weak Nuclear Force, Electromagnetic Force, and Gravity), and this is thought to be because gravity 'leaks' into the extra dimensions that is predicted by String theory - i.e. It's overall energy is divided-up between different dimension, which makes it appear weak to us (who reside in just four dimensions).

Kevin