What is the Higgs boson? – Teach me about Science

Higgs boson.

Getting into the matter, it is necessary to understand what a boson. In physics there are two types of elementary particles; Fermions and bosons. Fermions are made up of electrons and quarks, which are related to matter, while bosons are related to the interaction of forces between particles. Once this is understood, the Higgs boson is nothing more than a type of elementary particle that would explain how the mass of all the particles in the Universe originates, very important indeed.

To the idea of ​​is boson emerged 50 years ago, Peter Higgs, along with F. Engleet and R.Brout proposed a mathematical mechanism by which particles obtain mass within the standard model, postulating the existence of a Higgs field that generates its mass by interacting with particles and that in case of its existence a particle like the Higgs boson would be needed. This boson does not exist naturally in the usual conditions of our universe, the way it is produced is by means of particle accelerators, which by accelerating particles to high energies make them collide to create those that do not usually exist.

The importance of this particle lies in the fact that its existence allows us to understand physics, specifically the standard model, this allows us to know precisely how elementary particles interact with each other and the existence of this boson is the only one that has not been discovered empirically, doing so would be key to verifying the veracity of the standard model. In case you are wondering if there is only one type of Higgs boson, the answer is yes, at least in the basic standard model, however, throughout its study, proposals have emerged for different extensions of it in order to the resolution of questions that still remain about this model. Like the supersymmetric extension of the standard model that requires at least 5 types of bosons.

How is it being investigated?

Since the Higgs boson it cannot be directly observed why in case of its existence it would be an unstable particle that disintegrates in a fraction of a second, giving rise to other more conventional elementary particles, its existence is indirectly deduced experimentally in a particle accelerator such as the LHC. In 2012, research carried out by CERN discovered a new particle that could be the Higgs boson.

What would your verification entail?

If this particle is verified, a physics beyond the Standard Model would take place, such as super particles, dark matter, or even better understand the origin of the universe. In addition, this discovery would be the first step in understanding the Higgs mechanism. And it will continue to be studied whether or not the properties of this particle correspond in detail to the Higgs model.

What happens if you don’t check?

Now the other side of the coin, if the existence of this boson is ruled out, the standard model and its derivatives will have to be reconsidered, as well as the formulation of a new theory that explains how the particles obtain mass and is as precise as the current model describes it. standard.

Share science, share knowledge.