Physicist Peter Higgs Passes Away: Understanding the Origin of Mass for Fundamental Particles
The recent passing of renowned physicist Peter Higgs, aged 94, has brought renewed attention to the profound concept he introduced in the 1960s: the Higgs boson theory. This theory has revolutionized our understanding of the fundamental properties of matter, particularly its mass.
The Elusive ‘God Particle’
Dubbed the ‘God particle’ due to its elusive nature, the Higgs boson is an elementary particle believed to endow every other fundamental particle with mass. The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 solidified the Standard Model of Particle Physics, which describes the fundamental particles and forces that govern our universe.
The Higgs Boson Theory
According to the Higgs boson theory, all matter exists within a pervasive field known as the Higgs field. This field interacts with fundamental particles, imparting them with different masses. The theory posits that particles with greater interaction with the Higgs field acquire larger masses, while those with minimal interaction remain massless.
The Significance of Mass
Mass is not an intrinsic property of matter, as physicists previously believed. The Higgs boson theory suggests that mass is a consequence of the interaction between particles and the Higgs field. This concept has transformed our understanding of how matter came into being after the Big Bang.
The Eluding Particle
The Higgs boson proved incredibly difficult to detect, eluding scientists for decades. Its existence was hypothesized in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the development of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that scientists were able to confirm its presence through experiments.
A Triumph for Science
The discovery of the Higgs boson was a triumph of modern physics, confirming a fundamental concept that had been theorized for half a century. It not only validated the Standard Model but also opened up new avenues for exploration in the field of particle physics.
The Legacy of Peter Higgs
Peter Higgs played a pivotal role in the development of the Higgs boson theory, which has profoundly shaped our understanding of the universe. His passing is a reminder of the enduring impact of scientific curiosity and the transformative power of theoretical physics.
Divya