What’s the necessity of the strong force?

In summary, the strong force exists to hold the protons in an atomic nucleus together despite their mutual repulsion due to their positive electric charges. This helps to bring particles to a lower state of energy, which is the goal of the fundamental forces. The reason why the electromagnetic force seems to work against this stable configuration is still unknown and not a question that can be answered in this context.
  • #1
Th3
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TL;DR Summary
Why does the universe care to have the strong force.
To put it simply: Why do we have the strong force?

If the goal of the fundamental forces (in a heavily generalized sense) is to bring particles to a lower state of energy, how is the strong force participating to this?

Could it be due to atoms being a very stable configuration?
If this is the case why is the electromagnetic force trying to work against a stable configuration?
 
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  • #2
Th3 said:
Why do we have the strong force?
This question is not a physics question, and cannot be answered here.

Th3 said:
If the goal of the fundamental forces (in a heavily generalized sense) is to bring particles to a lower state of energy
Why do you think this is the case?

Th3 said:
why is the electromagnetic force trying to work against a stable configuration?
What do you mean by this?
 
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  • #3
Th3 said:
To put it simply: Why do we have the strong force?
You have a bunch of protons jammed together in an atomic nucleus, with their positive electric charges repelling each other. What holds the nucleus together?
 
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FAQ: What’s the necessity of the strong force?

What is the strong force?

The strong force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, along with gravity, electromagnetism, and the weak force. It is responsible for holding together the nucleus of an atom, which is made up of protons and neutrons.

Why is the strong force necessary?

The strong force is necessary because without it, the nucleus of an atom would not be stable. The positively charged protons in the nucleus would repel each other, causing the atom to fall apart. The strong force overcomes this repulsion and holds the nucleus together.

How does the strong force work?

The strong force is carried by particles called gluons, which interact with the quarks inside protons and neutrons. These interactions are what hold the quarks together, forming the nucleus of an atom.

What are the implications of the strong force?

The strong force is responsible for determining the stability and structure of matter. It also plays a role in nuclear reactions, such as fusion in stars and nuclear fission in power plants.

Can the strength of the strong force be changed?

No, the strength of the strong force is a fundamental constant of nature and cannot be changed. However, scientists are still researching and trying to understand the underlying principles of the strong force.

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