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The Four Fundamental Forces in Nature

Scientists are currently trying to find a theory (and a set of equations that incorporate everything!) that will bind together the four forces into one - the Grand Unified Theory.

At the moment there are four forces that govern behaviour in the Universe.
 

Name

 

Domain

Particle

(see later)

Relative strength

I

Strong Nuclear Force Within the nucleus - acts between nucleons over a very short range Gluons (was thought to be pions)
1

II

Electromagnetic Force Between charged particles - binds atoms and molecules together Photons (quanta of electromagnetic radiation E = hf)
10-2

III

Weak Nuclear Force Within the nucleus - governs radioactive beta decay - involves leptons W bosons and z-particles (not on the syllabus)
10-6

IV

Gravitational Force Acts between all masses - very important for large masses in space such as planets and stars Gravitons (not yet detected!)
10-38