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Q96·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2013

Higgs Boson and Particle Physics

S&TParticle PhysicsStatement-basedHardCurrent-affairs-linked

Question

The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/importances of discovering this particle?

1It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass.
2It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them.
3It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.
  1. 1.

    Higgs boson discovery will enable us to understand why elementary particles have mass

  2. 2.

    Higgs boson discovery will enable us to develop technology of transferring matter without traversing physical space

  3. 3.

    Higgs boson discovery will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission

Options

a

1 only

Answer
b

2 and 3 only

c

1 and 3 only

d

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Higgs boson is theorized to be responsible for giving mass to elementary particles through the Higgs field mechanism - this is a primary motivation for its discovery. Statement 2 is incorrect and speculative: There is no scientific basis for claiming that Higgs boson discovery would enable matter teleportation technology. This is science fiction, not derived from Higgs physics. Statement 3 is incorrect: Higgs boson discovery has no direct relevance to developing better nuclear fuels. It is fundamental particle physics, not applied nuclear engineering. > The Higgs boson's primary significance is in explaining the origin of mass in elementary particles through the Higgs mechanism, a fundamental physics insight without direct technological applications. Answer: (a).

Question details

Year

2013

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q96

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Particle Physics

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Hard

Nature

Current-affairs-linked

Source hint

Current Affairs 2012-2013 (Higgs Boson discovery)

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