Fundamental interactions

Rules for the universe

2021-03-09T09:13:40+02:00

At the core of physics lies the aim to predict all kinds of phenomena and events by formulating different models.

Every measurement and formula is a manifestation of the four fundamental interactions. They can be regarded as the rules each and every particle in existence must abide, and without them, we would only have heaps of mass devoid of meaning everywhere.

The strong interaction is responsible for binding the protons and neutrons in the atomic cores together.

Humankind has harnessed this interaction for means to create nuclear energy.
Humankind is attempting to further harness this interaction to invent a fusion reactor that would be a small-scale replica of the Sun.

The electromagnetic interaction is responsible for binding the cores and the electron clouds in atoms together.

This interaction is invoked in mirrors, cameras, x-ray imaging, microwave ovens, internet connections, and bluetooth and wifi technology, among many other contemporary tools.

The weak interaction manifests as the ability of a particle to decay into other particles.

These fall into three distinct types: α, β, and γ.
This interaction was theorized as the three other interactions did not account for radioactive radiation, which has been found in experiments.

Besides the previous three, the physics community has interpreted gravitation to be an extension of this list of interactions. However, thanks to recent developments in the field of relativity, Einsteinian views of gravity have further established their foothold.

Gravitation can be interpreted either as interaction between massive objects or as the ability of mass to curve the space surrounding it.

Gravitation is responsible for the formation of any and all celestial objects, such as planets, stars, galaxies, and black holes.

Quiz on the fundamental interactions

2021-11-08T09:58:28+02:00

Ladataan…

Modeling the fundamental interactions

2017-12-28T20:21:39+02:00

Weak interaction

Every atom is consists of the protons and neutrons in the core and the electrons in its surrounding cloud. Whereas the amount of protons determines the represented element and the amount of electrons its ability to react, the neutrons are responsible for the overall stability of the atom.

By the weak interaction, unfavourable atomic cores are transformed into more stable ones by changing protons into neutrons and vice versa. This can be observed as radioactive α-, β-, or γ-radiation.

Electromagnetic interaction

This interaction has to do with a lot besides the obvious: electricity and magnets. This applet, however, lets you find the duality between these two.

Gravitation

Thanks to gravitation, your feet stay grounded. Without gravity, there would be no seasons, tides, or celestial objects.

Formulae

2021-11-08T10:01:47+02:00

"A moving magnet can act as a battery."
[[$$ \nabla \times \mathbf{E} = -\frac{\partial \mathbf{B}}{\partial t} $$]]

"Neutrons can decay into protons."
[[$$ n^0 = p^+ + e^- + \bar{\nu} \quad (\beta \text{ minus}) $$]]

"Gravity is the interaction between massive objects."
[[$$ \mathbf{G} = \gamma\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2} $$]]

"Gravity is the ability of mass to curve space surrounding it."
[[$$ G_{\nu\mu} = \frac{8\pi G}{c^4}T_{\nu\mu} $$]]

Take a look at the elctromagnetic interaction!

2017-12-28T20:13:11+02:00

Your task is simple: light the lamp without using a battery.