Lattice Gauge Theory and the Origin of Mass

TL;DR

This paper explains how the mass of everyday objects originates from the energy of confined quarks and gluons within nucleons, using lattice gauge theory to connect this mechanism to quantum chromodynamics.

Contribution

It discusses the role of lattice gauge theory in demonstrating how quantum chromodynamics explains the origin of mass in nucleons and everyday matter.

Findings

Lattice gauge theory confirms the mass generation mechanism in QCD.

The energy of confined quarks and gluons accounts for most of the nucleon mass.

Quantum chromodynamics explains the origin of mass in atomic nuclei.

Abstract

Most of the mass of everyday objects resides in atomic nuclei; the total of the electrons' mass adds up to less than one part in a thousand. The nuclei are composed of nucleons---protons and neutrons---whose nuclear binding energy, though tremendous on a human scale, is small compared to their rest energy. The nucleons are, in turn, composites of massless gluons and nearly massless quarks. It is the energy of these confined objects, via $M=E/c^2$, that is responsible for everyday mass. This article discusses the physics of this mechanism and the role of lattice gauge theory in establishing its connection to quantum chromodynamics.