Understanding the Relationship Between Mass and the Higgs Field

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In summary, the mass of a Higgs-field-interacting particle is not equivalent to the energy stored in the Higgs field by that interaction, as they have different units. The question of how much energy the Higgs receives from self interaction is interesting, but not directly related to its measured mass. Additionally, the volume integral is infinite and it may be helpful to refer to an easy reader quantum field theory book for further understanding.
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Ibix
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Perhaps a Higgnorant question? Anyway. Am I correct in thinking that the mass of a Higgs-field-interacting particle is the energy stored in the Higgs field by that interaction?
 
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No. Without going into details, it does not even have the same units. Energy stored in a field would have an energy density (energy per volume), while the Higgs mass has an energy, without a volume.
 
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The question of how much energy does the Higgs receives from self interaction is a interesting one, but indeed it is not directly related to the measured mass.
 
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mfb: I bet the volume integral is infinite, right?

Thanks for your replies. I think I need an easy reader quantum field theory book.
 

FAQ: Understanding the Relationship Between Mass and the Higgs Field

1. What is the Higgs field and how does it relate to mass?

The Higgs field is a theoretical field that permeates all of space. It is responsible for giving particles their mass by interacting with them. The more a particle interacts with the Higgs field, the more massive it becomes.

2. How was the existence of the Higgs field and the Higgs boson discovered?

The existence of the Higgs field and the Higgs boson was first proposed by theoretical physicists in the 1960s. In 2012, experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson, which is the particle associated with the Higgs field.

3. Why is understanding the relationship between mass and the Higgs field important?

Understanding the relationship between mass and the Higgs field is important because it helps us explain how particles acquire mass and why some particles are more massive than others. It also helps us understand the fundamental forces and interactions of the universe.

4. How does the Higgs field contribute to the Standard Model of particle physics?

The Higgs field is a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics, which is the most widely accepted theory for describing the fundamental particles and forces in the universe. Without the Higgs field, the Standard Model would not be able to explain how particles acquire mass.

5. Are there any implications of the Higgs field beyond particle physics?

While the Higgs field is primarily studied in the context of particle physics, it also has implications for other fields of science. For example, the Higgs field could play a role in the formation of stars and galaxies, and it may also have connections to dark matter and the expansion of the universe.

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