How are the three fundamental forces of motion unified?

In summary, it has been suggested that three of the four fundamental causes of motion (excluding gravity) have been unified - the weak force, the strong force, and electromagnetism. This has been achieved through the unification of the weak and electromagnetic forces into the electroweak force, and the compatibility of the strong force with the electroweak force in the Standard Model. However, gravity remains described by General Relativity, a classical theory that is incompatible with quantum theories in certain extreme conditions. Efforts are currently being made to develop a theory that includes all four forces, such as string theory. The purpose of unification is to show that all forces are ultimately the same and can be mathematically described in a unified scheme,
  • #1
Selnex
I am nearly certain that it has been suggested that three of the four now thought to be fundamental causes of motion have been unified. Excluding gravity, these are : the weak force, the strong force and electromagnetism. Can someone please explain to me what indicates or how it was shown that these three forces can shown to be unified and what it means that they are unified?
 
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  • #2
Actually only the weak and electromagnetic forces have been unified (electroweak force). The strong force plus the electroweak force form the Standard Model, in that they are compatible and both are quantum theories. Gravity, on the other hand, is described by General Relativity, which is a classical (non quantum) theory. There are certain extreme conditions (inside a black hole) where the two theories (quantum and G.R.) are incompatible. One of the major areas of current theoretical research is developing a theory to include all four forces. String theory is an example.
 
  • #3
As for the meaning of unification, it depends of the theory. In a GUT, it means that all the carriers of force are classifyed in an unique mathematical scheme, usually a SU(n) group. In these schemes, forces seem to be different because of symmetry breaking: the carriers get different masses, thus different range of interaction.
 
  • #4
Mathman,
It is my understansing that the strong force has been linked recently. I'll double-check to make sure, though.

Selnex,
What is meant by uniwfication is that these three forces become identical at high enough energies. Mathematial models showed that everything the ellectromagnetic force does at these temps, the weak nuclear also does. At higher energies, the strong nuclear force also behaves the same way. These mathematical predictions were recently verified through experimentation. Verification of the gravitational foce (or proof that it will not unify) awaits a higher-energy supercollider.
 
  • #5
Originally posted by LURCH
What is meant by uniwfication is that these three forces become identical at high enough energies. Mathematial models showed that everything the ellectromagnetic force does at these temps, the weak nuclear also does. At higher energies, the strong nuclear force also behaves the same way. These mathematical predictions were recently verified through experimentation. Verification of the gravitational foce (or proof that it will not unify) awaits a higher-energy supercollider.
What's the purpose of unification then having in mind that it only referes to significant high energy?

I tought that unification should let us understand that every force no matter from what kind of interaction arized is at the bottom force or no matter electrical, magnetic, nuclear or gravitational in the end they are all forces. thus you can displace one by some other while exersizing your math and every thing to be ok with that.

Could I practise this kind of independent thinking without problems?
 

1. What are the three fundamental forces of motion?

The three fundamental forces of motion are gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces are responsible for the behavior and interactions of objects at the macroscopic and microscopic level.

2. How are these forces related to each other?

While these forces may seem distinct, they are actually unified through the concept of force and energy. In physics, force is defined as any influence that causes an object to undergo a change in motion, and energy is the ability to do work. The three fundamental forces of motion are all forms of energy that act upon objects and determine their motion.

3. What is the role of gravity in the unification of the three forces?

Gravity plays a crucial role in the unification of the three forces. It is the weakest of the three forces, but it has the most significant range and influence on large-scale objects. It is also responsible for the formation and structure of celestial bodies, which are essential in understanding the behavior of the other two forces.

4. How does the unification of these forces relate to the theory of relativity?

The unification of these forces is closely related to the theory of relativity, specifically Einstein's theory of general relativity. This theory explains how gravity is not a force but rather a curvature of space-time caused by the presence of massive objects. This concept helps unify gravity with the other two forces, as they can all be understood in terms of space-time curvature and energy.

5. Is there ongoing research and development in the unification of these forces?

Yes, there is ongoing research and development in the unification of these forces, as scientists continue to explore and understand the fundamental laws of nature. The ultimate goal is to develop a theory that can unify all the forces of nature into one comprehensive framework, also known as the theory of everything.

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