ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Split supersymmetry

Split Supersymmetry is a theory of particle physics that predicts two types of particles. The two types of particles are called "superpartners." Superpartners are very similar to particles we already know, like electrons, protons, and neutrons. But the superpartners have extra properties, like the ability to act as both matter and antimatter, which could help us explain some mysteries of the universe. To understand Split Supersymmetry better, imagine a family of four people: two brothers, two sisters. The brothers and sisters look very similar, but have different abilities. The brothers can play baseball and basketball, and the sisters can play tennis and soccer. In Split Supersymmetry, the superpartner particles are like the brothers and sisters in this metaphor. They look very similar, but have different abilities. Scientists still don't know what exactly these extra abilities might be, but this is one of the ideas they are exploring with Split Supersymmetry.