Sphalerons are theoretical particles in the field of particle physics that arise in certain models of electroweak theory. They are associated with processes that can convert baryons (particles like protons and neutrons) into leptons (such as electrons and neutrinos) and vice versa. This conversion is significant because it can lead to violations of baryon number conservation, a principle that states the total number of baryons should remain constant in isolated systems. These particles are thought to exist at high energy levels, typically found in extreme conditions like those present in the early universe or in high-energy particle collisions. Sphalerons play a crucial role in understanding cosmology and the evolution of the universe, particularly in explaining the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry. Their study helps physicists explore the fundamental forces and interactions that govern the behavior of matter.