Supersymmetry Part 1

Supersymmetry is a theory of physics that attempts to unify the fundamental forces and subatomic particles of nature. {Super-, superior + symmetry, similarity of form or arrangement on either side of a dividing line or plane}

Supersymmetry tries to make theoretical advances in the Standard Model of physics. The Standard Model is the widely accepted theory explaining the interactions of elementary particles (particles that are not made of other particles) with the fundamental forces in nature excluding gravity. Symmetries in physics refer to the aspects of a physical system that remain unchanged after certain transformations are applied to the system. For example the particles in a group of related particles, referred to as a multiplet, can be shuffled around and interchanged with each other and the mathematical equations applied to that multiplet will remain the same. In other words the mathematical properties of the multiplet remain unchanged.

There are three distinct multiplets of particles in the Standard Model. Each of these multiplets has its own unique symmetry. The symmetries of these multiplets cannot be combined with each other in a consistent manner, although physicists have manipulated the equations to make them fit. Some physicists have admitted that the equations are so ugly and unwieldy that they cannot possibly be right, but it’s the best that they can do with the current knowledge that they have. Supersymmetry is based on the idea that there are other symmetries beyond those already developed in the standard model. Under supersymmetry all of the particles in the standard model can fit into one multiplet. The equations become much more elegant and relatively simple to work with. Having all the particles in one multiplet without their combined symmetries producing inconsistencies in the equations is a major step in advancing what theorists refer to as a Grand Unification Theory. A Grand Unification Theory tries to combine the four fundamental forces of nature into one grand unifying force governed by a larger symmetry. The four fundamental forces of nature are the electromagnetic force, the weak nuclear force, the strong nuclear force and gravity. Gravity is not included in the standard model because it is the weakest of the four forces and has a negligible affect at the very small scale of the elementary particles.