Mass of Electron & Flipping Frequency: Leonard Susskind Explains

In summary, Leonard Susskind discusses the electron's interactions with the Higgs field condensate, causing it to switch between being right-handed and left-handed. He mentions that, according to the Dirac theory, the mass of the electron is linked to the frequency of these switches. This can be further explored by considering the equations ##E = m c^2## and ##E = \hbar \omega## in the electron's rest frame.
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Sagittarius A-Star
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TL;DR Summary
Higgs mechanism: periodically interactions with the Higgs field
According to Leonard Susskind, i.e. the electron has periodically interactions with the Higgs field condensate, that change the electron alternately to be right-handed an left-handed. At 44:20 in the video he says, that, according to the Dirac theory, the mass of the electron is proportional to the frequency, at which it flips from left-handed to right-handed.



What is, in the electron's rest frame, the proportionality factor between the mass of the electron and this frequency?
 
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Sagittarius A-Star said:
What is, in the electron's rest frame, the proportionality factor between the mass of the electron and this frequency?
Try considering the equations ##E = m c^2## and ##E = \hbar \omega##.
 

FAQ: Mass of Electron & Flipping Frequency: Leonard Susskind Explains

What is the mass of an electron?

The mass of an electron is approximately 9.109 x 10^-31 kilograms. This is a fundamental constant in physics and is crucial for calculations in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism.

What does Leonard Susskind mean by "flipping frequency"?

"Flipping frequency" refers to the rate at which an electron's spin state changes or flips. In quantum mechanics, the electron can be in a spin-up or spin-down state, and the flipping frequency is the rate at which transitions between these states occur, often influenced by external magnetic fields.

How is the mass of an electron measured?

The mass of an electron is measured using various experimental techniques, such as observing the electron's behavior in magnetic and electric fields, or through high-precision measurements using Penning traps, which confine charged particles using magnetic and electric fields.

Why is the electron's mass important in physics?

The mass of the electron is a fundamental constant that affects the behavior of atoms and molecules. It plays a crucial role in determining the structure of atoms, the properties of materials, and the outcomes of chemical reactions. It also influences the behavior of electrons in electric and magnetic fields, which is essential in many areas of physics and engineering.

Can the electron's flipping frequency be controlled?

Yes, the electron's flipping frequency can be controlled using external magnetic fields. By applying a magnetic field, scientists can induce transitions between the electron's spin states, allowing them to study quantum phenomena and develop technologies such as quantum computers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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