Electroweak symmetry breaking

Electroweak symmetry breaking is a process in physics where the unified force of electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force separates into two distinct forces as the universe cools after the Big Bang. This occurs when a field called the Higgs field acquires a non-zero value everywhere, giving particles like the W and Z bosons mass, while leaving the photon massless. Essentially, it explains how particles that mediate the weak force become heavy, allowing the electromagnetic and weak forces to behave differently. This breaking of symmetry is fundamental to understanding how particles acquire mass and the structure of the universe.