Difference between revisions of "Higgs boson"
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| − | A '''Higgs boson''' is a theorized elementary particle whose existence is predicted by the [[Standard Model]] of particle physics. It serves a key role in explaining the origin of mass of other elementary particles of the Standard Model. It has | + | A '''Higgs boson''' is a theorized elementary particle whose existence is predicted by the [[Standard Model]] of particle physics. It serves a key role in explaining the origin of mass of other elementary particles of the Standard Model. It has recentely been observed in nature, confirmed to 4 standard deviations by the Large Hadron Collider, and 5 standard deviations by ATLAS - particle accelerators based at [[CERN]] in Switzerland. Physicist Leon Lederman coined and popularized the term "God Particle" to describe the Higgs boson. <ref> Lederman L., The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question?, New York:Dell, 1993</ref>. |
| − | On July 4, 2012, Physicists at [[CERN]] announced the observation of a particle whose properties are consistent with mathematical predictions relating to the Higgs Boson. However, CERN has yet to definitively state that the particle they observed is, in fact, the Higgs.<ref>[http://io9.com/5923494/what-todays-higgs-boson-discovery-really-means?]</ref> | + | On July 4, 2012, Physicists at [[CERN]] announced the observation of a particle whose properties are consistent with mathematical predictions relating to the Higgs Boson. However, CERN has yet to definitively state that the particle they observed is, in fact, the Higgs.<ref>[http://io9.com/5923494/what-todays-higgs-boson-discovery-really-means?]</ref> However, it has been confirmed with confidence of 5 standard deviations ("5 sigma"), which is equivalent to a certainty of approximately 99.9999667%. The particle cannot, technically, be confirmed to exist with certainty - and therefore the best that can be said is a new particle has been discovered, the observed properties of the particle are consistent with those predicted of Higgs boson. The process now begins to determine the precise mechanism by which the Higgs boson confers mass, as its existence has been confirmed to the level of accuracy deemed necessary to constitute discovery. |
== Vox Day on the theorized Higgs boson particle == | == Vox Day on the theorized Higgs boson particle == | ||
Revision as of 03:19, July 6, 2012
A Higgs boson is a theorized elementary particle whose existence is predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. It serves a key role in explaining the origin of mass of other elementary particles of the Standard Model. It has recentely been observed in nature, confirmed to 4 standard deviations by the Large Hadron Collider, and 5 standard deviations by ATLAS - particle accelerators based at CERN in Switzerland. Physicist Leon Lederman coined and popularized the term "God Particle" to describe the Higgs boson. [1].
On July 4, 2012, Physicists at CERN announced the observation of a particle whose properties are consistent with mathematical predictions relating to the Higgs Boson. However, CERN has yet to definitively state that the particle they observed is, in fact, the Higgs.[2] However, it has been confirmed with confidence of 5 standard deviations ("5 sigma"), which is equivalent to a certainty of approximately 99.9999667%. The particle cannot, technically, be confirmed to exist with certainty - and therefore the best that can be said is a new particle has been discovered, the observed properties of the particle are consistent with those predicted of Higgs boson. The process now begins to determine the precise mechanism by which the Higgs boson confers mass, as its existence has been confirmed to the level of accuracy deemed necessary to constitute discovery.
Vox Day on the theorized Higgs boson particle
Vox Day wrote on theorized God Particle and the media attention surrounding it:
| “ | It will certainly be amusing if it turns out that the scientific media is reading the tea leaves wrong and CERN is summoning famous particle physicists to Switzerland in order to announce the failure of the Standard Model. But that won't be half so hilarious as if their announcement of the proof of Higgs boson is eventuall followed by a reluctant admission that it doesn't actually exist in spite of all their sigmas.
It seems scientists don't pay much attention to finance, as it is remarkable how often the mathematically impossible black swan shows up to crash the party. [3] |
” |
References
- ↑ Lederman L., The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question?, New York:Dell, 1993
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ Mailvox: By George, they've got it
External Links
- "God particle" by PPsimmons
- BBC Radio 4: In Our Time " Higgs Boson - the search for the God particle"