The Standard Model (What Don't I know?)

[MrJohnnyPrice]

A big part of the theory of the standard model is that the major forces are mediated by the exchanging of elementary particles. So hypothetically, if we discovered some material that blocked the photon, for example, does this mean an object wrapped in this material would be unaffected by the electromagnetic force?

Basically this is a question about what kind of exchanging of particles we're talking about. Is it an exchange in the sense of how atoms exchange electrons, or am I completely off?

 

[Nabeshin]

Last I checked, Lead works pretty well.

 

[MrJohnnyPrice]

Oh, so follow-up question: If the graviton exists, and if there is a material to block it, we would theoretically be able to defy gravity?

 

[IttyBittyBit]

Gravitons are speculative and even if they existed, I don't believe so. Gravity is the curvature of spacetime and thus the attraction between two objects wouldn't be affected by a material between the two objects.

Last I checked, Lead works pretty well.

Lead doesn't block magnetism, which is an electromagnetic force.

 

[pmacias]

I can confirm that the Standard Model is a widely accepted theory that describes the fundamental particles and forces in the universe. It is based on the idea that the four fundamental forces - gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force - are mediated by the exchange of elementary particles.

In regards to your question, it is important to understand that the exchange of particles in the Standard Model is not the same as the exchange of electrons in an atom. In the Standard Model, particles such as photons, gluons, and W and Z bosons are responsible for mediating the forces between particles. These particles are not physical objects like electrons, but rather they are excitations of fields that permeate space.

So, if we were to discover a material that blocks photons or any other elementary particle, it would not necessarily mean that an object wrapped in this material would be completely unaffected by the electromagnetic force. This is because the exchange of particles is not the only mechanism through which forces act on objects. In the case of the electromagnetic force, for example, there are also static electric and magnetic fields that can exert a force on an object.

Furthermore, the Standard Model is a quantum theory, meaning that it describes the behavior of particles at a subatomic level. It is not applicable to macroscopic objects or materials. So even if we were to find a material that could block certain particles, it would not necessarily have the same effect on larger objects.

In summary, the exchange of particles in the Standard Model is a complex concept and it is not equivalent to the exchange of electrons in an atom. While a material that blocks certain particles may have an impact on the forces acting on objects, it would not completely eliminate their effects. As scientists, we continue to explore and understand the intricacies of the Standard Model and its implications for our understanding of the universe.