Z bosons are fundamental particles that play a crucial role in the Standard Model of particle physics. They are responsible for mediating the weak nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. This force is essential for processes like nuclear decay and fusion, helping to explain how particles interact at a subatomic level. Discovered in the early 1970s, Z bosons are electrically neutral and have a relatively large mass compared to other particles, such as photons. Their existence was confirmed through experiments at particle accelerators, providing deeper insights into the behavior of matter and the universe's fundamental structure.