If CERN finds the Higgs Boson, How would it explain the difference between the massless photon and the relatively massive W and Z bosons Elementary particle masses, and the differences between electromagnetism (caused by the photon) and the weak force?
by 
Voyyce
ANSWERS: 1
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The best explaination I've heard goes like this: All of space is theoretically filled with Higgs particles in a structure called The Higgs Field. Essentially, higgs particles "bind" to some constituent elements of the universe and don't to others. When a particle gets bound up in the Higgs field, it "slows" down and gets more massive. For instance, photons have no mass so they don't interact with the Higgs Field at all, but W & Z Bosons do. Now, in analogy, imagine a party filled with people like you and me. Filled. Now, some shy unpopular, rather homely guy comes into the room and wants to get to the refreshment table. He does so rather easily as he's ignored- he just slides between the spaces of our conversations and gets there in no time (photon). Compare that if a rock star entered the party - he'd be mobbed by people interested in getting autographs and would be impeded from reaching the refreshment table.
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