Particle Masses: A Simple Rule from the Depths of Physics express
In the boiling broth of the newborn Universe, all particles lost their distinctions, like vegetables at hellish temperatures. Recovering that simple recipe is the goal of modern physics.
The SO(10) theory — an extension of the Standard Model — offers such a recipe. It unifies all forces and links the masses of any particles with a single formula. Scientists refined the model and achieved record accuracy: the computed masses matched experiment. It turned out that at the energy of the Big Bang, the main characteristics of particles become almost the same.
If the model is confirmed, we will understand what predetermines particle masses and take a step towards a unified theory of everything.
The predicted heavyweight neutrino is about 500 times more massive than the top quark — and the top quark itself weighs almost as much as an entire gold atom.
The film 'The Theory of Everything' is about the search for a single equation. Work on SO(10) is a real step towards Einstein's dream.