The concept of interaction between particles and fields is a fundamental idea in quantum field theory, which describes the behavior of particles and their interactions using quantum mechanics and special relativity. In the case of mass and the Higgs field, let's explore what happens at a basic level.
According to the Standard Model of particle physics, which is the prevailing theory describing the fundamental particles and their interactions, particles acquire mass through their interaction with the Higgs field. The Higgs field permeates the entire universe, and particles constantly interact with it.
In quantum field theory, fields are described as entities that fill all of space and have specific properties at each point. The Higgs field is a scalar field, meaning it has a single value associated with each point in space.
Particles, such as electrons or quarks, are not separate entities moving through space independently. Instead, they are understood as excitations or disturbances in their respective fields. When a particle interacts with the Higgs field, it experiences resistance or drag, much like moving through a medium. This interaction manifests as the particle acquiring mass.
In the case of the Higgs field, it has a non-zero vacuum expectation value, meaning it has a non-zero value even in empty space. When particles interact with the Higgs field, they experience a sort of "friction" due to this non-zero value. This friction effectively slows down the particle's motion, giving it mass.
To put it simply, particles acquire mass by constantly exchanging energy with the Higgs field. This interaction affects the particle's behavior and properties, including its inertia and resistance to acceleration.
It's important to note that the Higgs field and its associated particle, the Higgs boson, were experimentally discovered at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in 2012. This discovery confirmed the existence of the Higgs field and provided evidence for the mechanism by which particles acquire mass.