Forces
There are four fundamental forces in nature:
Electromagnetic Force
The electromagnetic force is responsible for the interactions between
charged particles. It’s responsible for the structure of atoms and molecules
and plays a crucial role in chemistry. This force is mediated by the exchange
of photons.
For example, consider the attraction between an electron and a proton in a
hydrogen atom:
<img src=”electron-proton-interaction.png” alt=”Electron-proton interaction”
width=”300”/>
The electron and proton exchange photons, creating an electromagnetic
force that binds them together.
Strong Nuclear Force
The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding quarks together to form
protons and neutrons and for binding protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei.
It’s mediated by the exchange of gluons.
The strong force Is relatively short-ranged compared to the other forces, but
it is incredibly strong. In fact, it’s approximately 100 times stronger than the
electromagnetic force.
Weak Nuclear Force
The weak nuclear force is responsible for certain types of radioactive decay
and neutrino interactions. It’s mediated by the exchange of W and Z bosons.
There are four fundamental forces in nature:
Electromagnetic Force
The electromagnetic force is responsible for the interactions between
charged particles. It’s responsible for the structure of atoms and molecules
and plays a crucial role in chemistry. This force is mediated by the exchange
of photons.
For example, consider the attraction between an electron and a proton in a
hydrogen atom:
<img src=”electron-proton-interaction.png” alt=”Electron-proton interaction”
width=”300”/>
The electron and proton exchange photons, creating an electromagnetic
force that binds them together.
Strong Nuclear Force
The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding quarks together to form
protons and neutrons and for binding protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei.
It’s mediated by the exchange of gluons.
The strong force Is relatively short-ranged compared to the other forces, but
it is incredibly strong. In fact, it’s approximately 100 times stronger than the
electromagnetic force.
Weak Nuclear Force
The weak nuclear force is responsible for certain types of radioactive decay
and neutrino interactions. It’s mediated by the exchange of W and Z bosons.
