Probability and Statistics for Particle Physics Students
Many students are excited about particle physics and the fundamental
insights it offers into our universe. Learning particle physics is a
challenge, and the statistics is not the least of it. The following are
some probability and statistics exercises that can help you get started.
Elementary Probability
Statistics
- Find the Higgs where we suspect it is! Use
these simulated* m(γγ) values
to fit to a small signal for h0 decays to
γγ. Do the following:
- Histogram the data.
- Fit the data to a smooth background shape (choose an appropriate
shape) and a signal (use a Gaussian shape).
Overlay the fit on the histogram.
- Report the yield, mean and sigma for your
signal. Supply both a fitted value and an error for each quantity.
- Find the Higgs without knowing where it is! Use
these simulated* m(γγ) values
to fit to a small signal for h0 decays to
γγ. Do the following:
- Histogram the data.
- Fit the data to a smooth background shape (choose an appropriate
shape) and a signal (use a Gaussian shape). Overlay the fit on the histogram.
- Report the yield, mean and sigma for your
signal. Supply both a fitted value and an error for each quantity.
* All signals appearing on this page are fictitious. Any
resemblance to real signals, living or dead, is purely coincidental.