Why do the 4 forces have the strength that they do?

In summary, the strength and range of forces of interaction in the universe are determined by the available physical systems and their structures. The strong nuclear force that binds protons and neutrons together in a nucleus is strong enough to keep the structure intact and not fall apart. This force must also have other properties to explain experimental findings, such as the quadrupole moment of a deuteron nucleus. Physics focuses on describing and understanding natural phenomena rather than asking why they occur.
  • #1
KarminValso1724
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For example, why is the strong nuclear force strong enough to hole protons and neutrons together.
 
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  • #2
KarminValso1724 said:
why is the strong nuclear force strong enough to hole protons and neutrons together.

the nature of forces depend on the available physical systems identified by human kind in the environment and surrounding- if one has various elements on earth/universe having the structure investigated so far -to sustain the structure one has identified the nature, its strength and range of forces of interaction.

To substantiate the above argument -when we investigate the structure of Deuteron nucleus we get the idea of the the force which must operate between the neutron and proton to get a bound nucleus of deuteron- so if somebody asks why it is strong?

one can answer that it must be so strong to keep the structure intact and not fall apart.
The above is a limited picture -the interactive forces must have other properties such that all experimental findings on Deuteron may be reproduced.

e.g. if the deuteron nuclei show a quadrupole moment however small in value the n-p force must have features to theoretically support it.
this is the process of investigation of physical events/phenomena being observed in nature and devising ways and means to define the nature of various kind of forces.
 
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  • #3
KarminValso1724 said:
For example, why is the strong nuclear force strong enough to hole protons and neutrons together.
Physics really isn't about that kind of "why" question. We observe what nature does and physics is the framework in which we describe it to the best of our abilities.
 
  • #4
Nobody knows. Some people assume the Anthropic principle holds, though I feel this is logically suspect.
 
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Related to Why do the 4 forces have the strength that they do?

1. Why are there only 4 fundamental forces?

The 4 fundamental forces (gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force) are the only forces that have been observed and studied in the universe. While there may be other undiscovered forces, the 4 that we know of are the most fundamental and have the greatest impact on the behavior of matter.

2. How were the strengths of the 4 forces determined?

The strengths of the 4 forces were determined through various experiments and observations. For example, the strength of gravity was measured through the motion of planets and stars, while the strength of electromagnetism was determined through the behavior of charged particles. The strength of the strong and weak nuclear forces were also determined through experiments involving subatomic particles.

3. Why do the 4 forces have different strengths?

The strengths of the 4 forces are believed to be a result of the different properties of the particles that mediate them. For instance, gravity is mediated by the graviton, which is a massless particle, while the strong nuclear force is mediated by the gluon, which has a much larger mass. These differences in particle properties ultimately affect the strength of the force they mediate.

4. Can the strength of the 4 forces change?

The strength of the 4 forces can change under certain conditions, such as extreme temperatures or energies. For example, at very high energies, the electromagnetic and weak nuclear forces are believed to merge into a single unified force. Additionally, it is theorized that in the early universe, the strong and electroweak forces were also unified.

5. How do the 4 forces work together?

The 4 forces work together to govern the behavior of matter and energy in the universe. Gravity is responsible for the large-scale structure of the universe, while electromagnetism governs the interactions between charged particles. The strong nuclear force holds atomic nuclei together, and the weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive decay. All 4 forces play a crucial role in the functioning of the universe as we know it.

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