Electroweak symmetry breaking is a process in particle physics that explains how the unified forces of electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force become distinct at low energies. This phenomenon occurs when the Higgs field acquires a non-zero value, leading to the mass of W and Z bosons, which mediate the weak force, while the photon remains massless. The mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking is a key aspect of the Standard Model of particle physics. It helps to explain why certain particles have mass and how the fundamental forces behave under different conditions. This process is crucial for understanding the universe's structure and the interactions of elementary particles.