About this episode

This episode concludes the series on the standard model with an introduction to gauge theory and the Higgs boson.

We conclude our series on the standard model with an introduction to gauge theory. We discuss how the requirement of local gauge invariance generates interaction terms in the Lagrangian, and introduce the U(1) x SU(2) x SU(3) group structure of the standard model. We also consider the problem of massive W and Z bosons, and how this was resolved by the introduction of the Higgs field and the mechanism of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 163: The Standard Model of Particle Physics. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

People in this episode

Host: James Fodor

Topics covered

• gauge theory
• Higgs boson
• standard model
• particle physics
• symmetry breaking
• interaction terms

Keywords

• gauge theory
• Higgs boson
• standard model
• particle physics
• symmetry breaking
• W bosons
• Z bosons

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Patreon, PayPal

Books & works: Episode 163: The Standard Model of Particle Physics

More episodes of The Science of Everything Podcast

• Episode 163: The Standard Model of Particle Physics · August 8, 2026 · 45 min

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