Higgs Boson: Latest Update

Fermilab scientist Don Lincoln describes the concept of how the search for the Higgs boson is accomplished. The latest data is revealed! Several large experimental groups are hot on the trail of this elusive subatomic particle which is thought to explain the origins of particle mass. You can try the interactive graphic (using IE 9+, Firefox 3.4+, Safari 4+) at: http://vmsstreamer1.fnal.gov/VMS/111208_HowHiggs/HiggsInteractive.htm

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Fermilab
• Higgs
• Higgs Boson
• CERN
• CMS
• ATLAS
• Higgs Mass
• physics

[lacelizabeth]

where do you get these tshirts?

[fermilab]

@lacelizabeth This particular shirt was custom-made for the video.

[ScienceNinjaDude]

@MrBeastmode907 The Higgs boson interacts with other Higgs bosons. There is another video by the same guy which offers the analogy of the Higgs field/boson as water/water molecules. In that analogy, just like water molecules see each other, so do Higgs bosons.

[MrBeastmode907]

so what would give the higgs boson its mass then?

[markosantos79]

I love these videos!

[martinbondesson]

I really like Don! He speaks in such a calm manner that makes me feel all relaxed :)

[Consolized]

bos what now?

[ScienceNinjaDude]

@FazlMoMo There are a couple of crucial points. First, an electric field is not characterized by a flow of electrons (although an electric field may cause electrons to flow). This is analogous to gravity. Gravity is there, whether a ball falls or not. The field isn't the flow. Further, a magnetic field is caused by charged particles, just like an electric field is.

The Higgs field is composed of Higgs boson, just like a lake is made of water molecules.

[FazlMoMo]

Hello, To understand the Higgs field a little better I have the following question: What is the nature of the Higgs field? In other words, an electric field is characterized by a flow of electrons and we can measure and identify the particles that create, and sustain it. In a magnetic field however there aren't particles that can be readily identified. Does the Higgs field possess characteristics of an electric or a magnetic field or is it something different entirely? Thanks.

[ScienceNinjaDude]

@esgnrjnjgu 1. Yes. 2. We don't know. 3. Quantum mechanics. All particles that can decay into lighter ones, will decay into lighter ones, unless there is a conservation law in the way. There are many conservation laws, but charge, energy, momentum, spin, parity, etc. can all keep a decay from occurring. However the Higgs is a zero-spin, electrically-neutral object. This makes decays rather easy.

[esgnrjnjgu]

Why does the Higgs boson itself has mass? Does it interact with itself?

Why do some particles interact more with the Higgs boson than other particles?

What makes a Higgs boson unstable?

[callawaydekluizen]

why would it be so usefull if it would decay into two photons?