Atomic structure is one of the most ground breaking and new fields of study that holds a lot of weight in today’s scientific community. Understanding what makes up our universe and how these pieces fit together to make matter as we see it is an extremely important part of trying to hypothesis how the universe came about. The god particle is an elusive particle that so far exists only in theory, for it has never been physically obtained. This particle is believed to be crucial in both the formation of atoms and the universe as a whole. Scientists believe that if they are able to obtain this particle their understanding of the formation of the universe will be more complete. It is also believed that the god particle, or Higgs particle, produces a field that pervades all space and interacts with every particle in existence, in a similar way that Jedi carry the force and are able to sense the force with others and use it for basic interactions. Lastly, scientists believe that the Higgs particle is what gives everything in the universe mass and the large the object the more the mass. For example quarks are more strongly affected by the Higgs’ field more so then electrons are, while photons seem to be slightly if not at all affected. The problem with detecting this particle is its sheer size, it is estimated to be one-hundred to two-hundred times the mass of a neutron, and as a result is highly unstable and breaks down into more basic particles in a matter of nanoseconds, making It very difficult to record any information on the data.
Here's a video: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/44491222#43899257
and here's an article from National Geographic: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/god-particle/achenbach-text/1
Posted by Max Legierski
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Fascinating article! I can't help to wonder though about one comment in the video. The specialist said that it is the only particle that is predicted by the standard model of physics that hasn't been discovered yet. I find that incredible but I would wonder where it would be placed compared to other particles, say on the periodic table after more of its properties were discovered.
ReplyDeleteDrew Sorenson
I always personally believed that everything that exists comes from a known source, however in this case, Higgs field don't seem to have a definite source as yet.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to know that this field can exist in every kind of place, hence we know it is present everywhere. And there is no empty space known. It comes to my interest that may be people's belief of God being i every particle in this universe without a source interferes with this quantum mechanics topics.
I find it amazing that such a particle exists in this universe and even more amazing that this particle has not yet been truly discovered. The debate of the universe's creation involving science and religion has always been a hot topic in both the science and religious communities, and by finding this "god" particle, it will finally prove that science does truly prevail after all. Another point I found intriguing was the fact that this particle interacts with every other particle in existence, and how it is much bigger than a neutron, yet it is crucial in the development of atoms themselves.
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