High Energy Physics (HEP) is a branch of physics that studies the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe. It often involves experiments conducted in large particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider, where particles are smashed together at high speeds to observe the resulting interactions. This research helps scientists understand the basic building blocks of matter and the fundamental laws governing their behavior.
HEP explores concepts like quarks, leptons, and bosons, which are the elementary particles that constitute all matter. It also investigates the forces that act between these particles, including the strong force, weak force, and electromagnetic force. By studying these interactions, physicists aim to uncover the mysteries of the universe, including the nature of dark matter and the origins of mass.