Why should the four forces be equal in strength?

In summary, physicists are intrigued by the fact that gravitational force is significantly weaker than the other three fundamental forces - electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force. They wonder why all four forces are not equal, even though they were believed to be so in the early universe. Some suggest that the unification of these forces could explain their unequal strengths. However, there are also theories that gravity is not a fundamental force but rather an emergent consequence of space-time interaction.
  • #1
Quantum321
5
0
Physicists believe at one time there was only one force. As the BB cooled the four forces we know today are derived from that one force. Why must the four forces all be equal?
 
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  • #2
Why do you say they are equal? Gravitation is many orders of magnitude weaker than electromagnetism.
 
  • #3
This is the problem. Physicists wonder why gravity is so much weaker than the other forces..this implies they think all the forces should be the same
 
  • #4
They don't have to be equal, but it looks odd that three are comparable (and, on a dimensionless scale, close to 1), and the fourth one is a factor 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000 weaker than the others. It would be nice to find some reason for that.
 
  • #5
Perhaps the OP is referring to why in a past epoch the four forces were assumed have been equal.
 
  • #6
I think mfb is right. The question is why is gravity so weak regardless of the strength of the other forces.
 
  • #7
cosmik debris said:
Perhaps the OP is referring to why in a past epoch the four forces were assumed have been equal.
Isn't that because they were super-symmetrical in the early universe?
 
  • #8
This has nothing to do with supersymmetry.
 
  • #9
Because physicists want to unify the forces. Who knows if this is actually possible. If all the forces come together at some point, then they ought to approach the same strength as they approach that point.
 
  • #10
Why is gravity considered a force? Gravity appears to be emergent and a consequence of space~time interaction. As mass and space interact what appears to be gravity is the action of mass slowing time in space... I think this is Einstein's theories interpretation.
 

Related to Why should the four forces be equal in strength?

1. Why is it important for the four forces to be equal in strength?

The four forces, also known as the fundamental forces of nature, are crucial for all matter and energy interactions in the universe. If one force were significantly stronger or weaker than the others, it would disrupt the delicate balance of the universe and potentially make life as we know it impossible.

2. What are the four forces and how do they differ in strength?

The four forces are gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. Gravity is the weakest of the four, followed by the weak nuclear force, electromagnetism, and the strong nuclear force, which is the strongest.

3. How does the strength of the four forces affect the structure of the universe?

The relative strength of the four forces plays a significant role in determining the structure of the universe. For example, the strength of gravity is what allows stars and galaxies to form, while the strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons together in atomic nuclei.

4. Is there a known reason for the equal strength of the four forces?

Currently, there is no known reason for the equal strength of the four forces. This is known as the hierarchy problem and remains a topic of study and speculation in physics.

5. What would happen if the four forces were not equal in strength?

If the four forces were not equal in strength, it could have drastic consequences for the universe. For example, if the strong nuclear force were weaker, atoms would not be able to form and there would be no chemical elements. Alternatively, if the strong nuclear force were stronger, it could overpower the other forces and cause atoms to collapse, preventing the formation of stars and galaxies.

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