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Peter Higgs and the Hidden Force That Shapes the Universe
Manage episode 494569607 series 2737493
In this episode of Math! Science! History! we take a walk through the Scottish Highlands with Peter Higgs, figuratively and historically, to uncover the quiet moment in 1964 when a simple hike sparked a revolutionary idea in physics.
Discover how the weak nuclear force and electromagnetism are deeply connected by symmetry, why mass was such a mystery to physicists in the 20th century, and how the Higgs field changed everything.
From the elegance of theoretical predictions to the drama of the 48-year search for the Higgs boson, this story is not just about particles, it's about patience, creativity, and discovery.
3 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How symmetry connects the weak nuclear force to electromagnetism and why that connection broke down.
What the Higgs field is and how it gives mass to particles like W and Z bosons.
Why Peter Higgs's quiet walk in the mountains became one of the most important moments in modern physics.
Resources & References:
CERN: The Higgs boson: What makes it special?
University of Edinburgh: Brief History of the Higgs Mechanism
Physics World: Peter Higgs on CERN and his career
Retrospect Journal: The Peter Higgs Plaque and Its Background
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com 📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h
🌍 Let’s Connect! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mathsciencehistory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history YouTube: Math! Science! History! - YouTube Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mathsciencehistory
🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:🌟 Leave a review! It helps more people discover the show!📢 Share this episode with friends & fellow history buffs!🔔 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform
☕ Support the Show: Coffee!! PayPal
🛍 Checking out our merch: https://www.mathsciencehistory.com/the-store
🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved. Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
🎵 Audio Editor: Podcast mixed by David Aviles
Until next time, carpe diem!
136 episodes
Manage episode 494569607 series 2737493
In this episode of Math! Science! History! we take a walk through the Scottish Highlands with Peter Higgs, figuratively and historically, to uncover the quiet moment in 1964 when a simple hike sparked a revolutionary idea in physics.
Discover how the weak nuclear force and electromagnetism are deeply connected by symmetry, why mass was such a mystery to physicists in the 20th century, and how the Higgs field changed everything.
From the elegance of theoretical predictions to the drama of the 48-year search for the Higgs boson, this story is not just about particles, it's about patience, creativity, and discovery.
3 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How symmetry connects the weak nuclear force to electromagnetism and why that connection broke down.
What the Higgs field is and how it gives mass to particles like W and Z bosons.
Why Peter Higgs's quiet walk in the mountains became one of the most important moments in modern physics.
Resources & References:
CERN: The Higgs boson: What makes it special?
University of Edinburgh: Brief History of the Higgs Mechanism
Physics World: Peter Higgs on CERN and his career
Retrospect Journal: The Peter Higgs Plaque and Its Background
🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com 📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h
🌍 Let’s Connect! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mathsciencehistory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history YouTube: Math! Science! History! - YouTube Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mathsciencehistory
🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?
If you love Math, Science, History, here’s how you can help:🌟 Leave a review! It helps more people discover the show!📢 Share this episode with friends & fellow history buffs!🔔 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform
☕ Support the Show: Coffee!! PayPal
🛍 Checking out our merch: https://www.mathsciencehistory.com/the-store
🎵 Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved. Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers
🎵 Audio Editor: Podcast mixed by David Aviles
Until next time, carpe diem!
136 episodes
All episodes
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