Theoretical Physics – Particles & Fields

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Over the years, there have been a lot of research efforts aimed at discovering and understanding the universe and its fundamental building units. In fact, there are numerous ongoing studies by scientists focusing on the origin, evolution, the current state, and the future of the universe. The works of legendary scientists like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein have always formed the basis of the contemporary studies of the universe.

In principle, Newton’s laws of particle physics can help to explain everything occurring in the universe. However, it cannot explain what the universe actually is owing to the fact that there is a missing factor in the equation, the Higgs particle. Higgs particle was predicted based on the hypothesis that there exists a particle from which all the other fundamental particles gain mass. The desire to discover the Higgs particle prompted efforts to develop a giant machine referred to as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The machine has the capacity to heat particles to the highest temperatures achievable – temperatures that occurred last a trillionth of a second after the formation of the universe. In essence, the LHC is meant to create conditions similar to those that existed during the origin of the universe in order to help understand the basic rules that govern matter. Specifically, it is intended to accelerate particles to give them momentum that will allow scientists to relive big bangs in order to understand what happened during the origin of the universe. The discovery of what is believed to be the Higgs boson is lauded as one of the most notable scientific advancements of the current era. The particle gains mass by interacting with the Higgs field. The amount of mass gained is determined by the extent of a particles’ interaction with the field. Those that do not interact with the field are considered massless like the photons. The discovery of the Higgs boson served as the proof that Higgs field actually exists. Higgs field is a hypothetical force field that pervades the entire universe and creates particles once excited. In other words, Higgs field gives rise to particles that serve as the building blocks of the universe and everything in it. Without it, the universe would not exist. Related to the idea of Higgs boson is the string theory suggested by Theodor Kaluza, a German scientist. According to the theory, there exists a vibrating filament of energy in every particle. The filaments vibrate in different patterns and frequencies to produce the various particles that make the universe. This theory unifies the concept of matter and the forces of nature. The mathematics behind the string theory further reveals that there might exist more than the three dimensions of space known today. The string theory complements the discovery of the Higgs boson in explaining the hidden structure of the world. On the basis of this theory, it is now evident that there exist hidden structures of space and time in addition to structures of matter and energy. The other important concept in understanding the universe is based on the idea of sound. While light is essential in studying the universe, sound is also equally important especially in relation to the existence of black holes. From Albert Einstein’s idea that space can ring like a drum, it is possible for it to be studied to understand the sound produced by big bang and to help scientist predict the future.

Conclusion

These video podcasts discuss the progress in scientific research aimed at discovering forces and particles that form the universe as well as their characteristics. Application of modern technology to discover more about the universe dominates these clips, and the underlying efforts are meant to ensure that scientists understand particles and characteristics of forces in order to apply them in a better way than they are being applied currently. Understanding the basic components that constitute the universe will definitely improve technological applications of these components and enhance people’s understanding of the universe to help them predict its future.

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