Experimental Falsification
Preon models propose additional unobserved forces or dynamics to account for the observed properties of elementary particles, which may have implications in conflict with observation.
For example, should the LHC's observation a Higgs boson be confirmed, the observation would contradict the predictions of many preon models that did not include it. This is also true of superpartners, not so far observed.
Preon theories require that quarks and electrons should have a finite size. It is possible that the Large Hadron Collider will observe this when raised to higher energies.
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Famous quotes containing the word experimental:
“When we run over libraries persuaded of these principles, what havoc must we make? If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to the flames; for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.”
—David Hume (1711–1776)