The X17 particle is a hypothetical particle that has been suggested to exist based on the analysis of experimental data from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Institute for Nuclear Research. The researchers observed an unexpected bump in the energy spectrum of certain decays of excited beryllium-8 nuclei, which they interpreted as a new particle.
If the X17 particle is confirmed to exist, it could imply the existence of a fifth fundamental force of nature. Currently, the known fundamental forces are gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. The potential fifth force associated with the X17 particle is often referred to as a "protophobic force" because it appears to be weaker when acting on protons compared to neutrons.
The discovery and confirmation of the X17 particle and a new force would have significant implications for our understanding of particle physics and could potentially change current paradigms. It would require revisiting and extending the existing theoretical models, such as the Standard Model, to accommodate this new force and particle. Theoretical physicists would need to incorporate this new information into their frameworks and explore its implications for various phenomena and interactions at the subatomic level.
Regarding supersymmetry, which is a theoretical framework that proposes a symmetry between fermions (matter particles) and bosons (force-carrying particles), the discovery of the X17 particle could have several effects. Supersymmetry predicts the existence of additional particles beyond those included in the Standard Model. The confirmation of the X17 particle and a fifth force could provide new insights into the structure and properties of these supersymmetric particles, potentially influencing the specific details and predictions of supersymmetric theories.
However, it's important to note that the existence of the X17 particle and its implications for a fifth force are still highly speculative. The experimental findings regarding the X17 particle have not been universally confirmed, and further studies and experimental evidence are necessary to establish its existence and understand its precise nature and implications. Scientific discoveries undergo a rigorous process of scrutiny, replication, and validation before they can be considered established and incorporated into our scientific understanding.