Caveman was the first physicist

After 17 years of research, Indian scientists may soon have an answer to why matter has weight. Delving beyond the realm of the universe to the centre of the atom, they are on a journey to push the boundaries of science, and you are invited to come along

We are all physicists, but the early caveman was the first," says Dr Atul Gurtu, Senior Professor, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

After speaking to IIT graduates, school students and even members of the Rotary Club, the 65 year-old professor is ready to explain the scientific motivations behind the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) project with a few physicists' jokes and some simple analogies today.

Sample this: A neutron walked into a bar and asked, "How much for a drink?" The bartender replied, "For you, no charge."

Gurtu, who completed his MSc and PhD in Particle Physics, continues, "If a caveman wanted to know what was inside a rock, he'd simply break it and take a look. This curiosity is what drives Physics."

Down to basics
Einstein's famous equation e=mc2 explains the relation between energy and mass. We also know that all things are made up of matter that can be broken down into molecules, then atoms. Says Gurtu, "Within an atom, we have electrons and a nucleus that holds protons and neutrons, which are made up of 'quarks'."

Current theory holds that all particles start as massless and acquire mass through interaction with the so-called Higgs field. Dark matter which is said to govern the motion of stars could be verified in extension of the same theory.

Hadron Collider
The LHC is a machine, designed to have a high energy and intensity, that will verify the validity of these theories. Gurtu says, "The answer to such questions is what scientists hope to find in a couple of years."

The dark matter that we have been searching for in the vastness of the universe may be just theu00a0particles needed to explain mysteries within the nucleus of an atom. "These theories shall very soon be answered. This could have profound implications for science," says the professor excitedly.

When asked if it is difficult to explain the postulates of dark matter with our questionable grey matter, he says, "It feels quite good, actually, because I get asked a lot of questions; it just shows that people are genuinely
interested and excited about what Indian scientists are working on." Gurtu, whose love for science started in his school days when he started playing with toy rockets, will be retiring next month. But his curiosity is still piqued.

The God Particle and The Invisible Universe: The Large Hadron Collider Project
At: Chai&Why, Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Vile Parle (W), 11 am
Call: 26149546

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