How Does Special Relativity Explain Particle Attraction?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between relativity and electromagnetic forces and attraction on a smaller scale. It is mentioned that action at a distance is impossible in relativity and that quantum field theory can explain forces without instantaneous actions at a distance. The connection between different forces and the current descriptions of forces based on special relativity is also mentioned. The conversation ends with a request for a brief description of general relativity and quantum field theory.
  • #1
analyst5
190
2
Hi folks,
I was thinking about this question for some time and I need some clarification. What is the take by relativity on electromagnetic forces and attraction between molecules, and other particles on a smaller scale? How do they compose objects on a macro level? I know that action at distance is impossible in relativity, so I believe that this facr certainly has some impact in the answer.

I'm looking forward to the answers.
 
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  • #2
I know that action at distance is impossible in relativity
You can express everything with fields and local field equations, without instantaneous actions at a distance.

Quantum field theory includes special relativity, and it leads to the classical forces between charged particles in the limit of low energies (non-relativistic particles).
 
  • #3
But the general problem of connecting the various forces is one of the important problems in modern physics. We really don't know the full answer to that question.
 
  • #4
I don't see how connecting the different forces (mainly gravity with the other forces) is related to the question. All current (fundamental) descriptions of forces are based on special relativity.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
I don't see how connecting the different forces (mainly gravity with the other forces) is related to the question. All current (fundamental) descriptions of forces are based on special relativity.

Can you describe any of those in short terms?
 

FAQ: How Does Special Relativity Explain Particle Attraction?

How does special relativity explain the concept of particle attraction?

Special relativity explains particle attraction through the concept of mass-energy equivalence. According to this theory, particles with mass also have a certain amount of energy, and this energy can cause the particles to attract each other. This is known as the gravitational force, which is a fundamental force of nature that is described by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

Does special relativity contradict the law of conservation of energy?

No, special relativity does not contradict the law of conservation of energy. In fact, it is based on the principle of conservation of energy. Mass-energy equivalence, as described in special relativity, states that energy can be converted into mass and vice versa. This does not violate the law of conservation of energy, as the total energy in a closed system remains constant.

How does special relativity explain the behavior of particles at high speeds?

Special relativity explains the behavior of particles at high speeds through the concept of time dilation and length contraction. As an object approaches the speed of light, time appears to slow down for that object, and its length appears to contract in the direction of its motion. This explains why particles with mass cannot reach the speed of light, as their mass would become infinite.

How does special relativity affect our understanding of gravity?

Special relativity has a significant impact on our understanding of gravity. It describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. This is in contrast to Newton's theory of gravity, which describes it as a force between masses. Special relativity also predicts that the path of a particle in a gravitational field will be affected by the curvature of spacetime, which has been confirmed by experimental observations.

Can special relativity explain all types of particle attraction?

No, special relativity cannot explain all types of particle attraction. While it can explain the gravitational attraction between massive objects, it does not account for other fundamental forces, such as the strong and weak nuclear forces, which govern interactions between subatomic particles. These forces are described by other theories, such as quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.

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