Basic question on QFT and the standard model

[jnorman]

The standard model comprises a particle model of reality, implying that every observable is either a particle of matter or a force carrying particle. QFT seems to imply that particles are merely manifestations of underlying fields - ie, particles are "ripples" in the field.

if QFT is the accepted model of quantum physics, why doesn't the standard model somehow reflect that? ie, why isn't the standard model based around a list of fields, rather than particles?

 

[xepma]

The standard model is based on a list of quantum fields. Electrons, quarks and neutrinos correspond to Dirac /Majorana fields, photons and other force carriers correspond to gauge fields, the Higgs boson corresponds to a scalar field.

 

[Entropia]

I can provide some insights on this question. The standard model is a highly successful theoretical framework that describes the fundamental particles and their interactions. It has been extensively tested and verified through experiments for decades. QFT, on the other hand, is a mathematical framework used to describe the behavior of quantum particles and their interactions with fields.

The reason why the standard model is based on particles rather than fields is due to historical reasons and the limitations of our current understanding of the universe. When the standard model was first developed, it was based on the concept of "elementary" particles, which were thought to be the fundamental building blocks of matter. These particles were observed and studied in experiments, leading to the development of the standard model.

However, as our understanding of quantum mechanics and the behavior of particles evolved, it became clear that particles are not the only way to describe the fundamental entities of the universe. QFT introduced the concept of fields, which can be seen as underlying structures that describe the behavior of particles. This means that particles are not truly "elementary" but are instead manifestations of underlying fields.

So, while the standard model is not explicitly based on fields, it does incorporate the concept of fields in its equations and predictions. In fact, the standard model cannot fully explain certain phenomena, such as gravity, and it is believed that a more comprehensive theory, such as a quantum theory of gravity, would involve fields at its core.

In conclusion, the standard model and QFT are two different but complementary theories that describe the fundamental particles and their interactions. While the standard model is based on particles, it does incorporate the concept of fields, which is fundamental to QFT. As our understanding of the universe continues to evolve, it is possible that the standard model will be revised to incorporate a more field-based approach.