Elevator Explanation Of The Higgs

First of all, it is an almost-impossible task to give a good and clear description of what the "Higgs boson" is to the general public. It is even more impossible to provide such an explanation in quick sound bites within the duration of an elevator ride.

But that is what is being asked of three physicists here.

We asked three area physicists for a Higgs “elevator explanation” — that is, explain it to a regular person in the period of time it takes to ride to the 10th floor. We asked for 100 words, more or less.

Like I said, a nearly-impossible task. But I'll let you read the article to see what was offered. Each one succeeded and failed in varying ways.

Zz.