Consider the following statements: 1. Discovery of Higgs boson of wh

Consider the following statements:

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1. Discovery of Higgs boson of which scientists are almost certain, may discard Einstein’s special theory of relativity.
2. Probable discovery of a particle which moves faster than light may prove Stephen Hawking wrong.
3. Probable discovery of a particle that moves faster than light may go against Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2

1 only

3 only

1 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Statement 1: The discovery of the Higgs boson is a cornerstone of the Standard Model of particle physics and is entirely consistent with Einstein’s special theory of relativity. It explains how fundamental particles acquire mass through their interaction with the Higgs field, without discarding special relativity. This statement is incorrect. Statement 2: A particle moving faster than light (superluminal particle) would indeed challenge fundamental physics principles, but stating it would specifically prove Stephen Hawking wrong is not accurate or the primary consequence. Hawking’s work, while profound, is not singularly contingent on the non-existence of superluminal particles in a way that this discovery would directly falsify his main theories. This statement is vague and likely incorrect. Statement 3: Einstein’s special theory of relativity posits that the speed of light in a vacuum is the maximum speed limit for any information or energy transfer. The probable discovery of a particle that moves faster than light would directly contradict this fundamental postulate of special relativity. This statement is correct.

Special relativity sets the speed of light as the ultimate speed limit in the universe. Any particle exceeding this speed would violate its principles, particularly causality.

While there have been discussions and theoretical explorations of possibilities like wormholes or warp drives that might allow effective faster-than-light travel in space-time (potentially consistent with General Relativity under specific, theoretical conditions), the existence of a fundamental particle that inherently travels faster than light in flat space-time is incompatible with Special Relativity.

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