LHC 2008 talks "What’s at stake for the Standard Model "
All the visible matter in the Universe can be described by the Standard Model. According to this theory, matter consists of atoms, which are made up of electrons orbiting around nuclei, whose fundamental building blocks are known as the quarks. Four fundamental forces govern interactions between the elementary particles: the electromagnetic force, the gravitational force, and the strong and weak nuclear interactions. Experiments have fully borne out the description that the Standard Model gives us of these particles and their interactions. However, some fundamental questions remain unresolved: what is the origin of particle mass? Why do so many different types of particles exist? Is there a unified theory that could explain all interactions?
What is the nature of the dark matter postulated by astrophysicists? CERN’s LHC will provide clues to resolving these questions beyond the Standard Model.
Thursday, 29 May 2008 at 8.00 p.m.
What’s at stake for the Standard Model
Jonathan R. Ellis, CERN physicist
The Globe, first floor. All welcome, admission free.
