When Did Gravity Split from Other Forces? Exploring the Big Bang in Seconds

In summary, the question of when gravity split from the other forces at the point of the big bang does not have a known answer. While it is believed to have happened almost simultaneously, the way gravity operates is fundamentally different from the other forces. The search for a single theory that can reconcile these differences is a major goal in modern physics, but there is currently no indication of a successful solution.
  • #1
benk99nenm312
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At the point of the big bang, when did gravity split off from the other forces? How many seconds in (i.e. 10^-30 seconds or something like that)? I've been curious as to how the forces split; I was hoping for a specific number here, but I never found one.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
It is believed gravity split from the primordial 'superforce' almost simultaneously with the big bang. See Neil Tyson's discussion here
http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/category/subjects/bigbang
 
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  • #3
There is no known answer to the question, because as far as General Relativity is concerned, gravity is not a force, and operates in a fundamentally different way to the 'other' forces.

We have two theories, quantum mechanics and associated field theories work very well at describing the electromagnetic, weakd and stronge forces, but only if you ignore gravity. This is usually okay, since if you are talking about the interaction of some particles, their mutual gravity is so small as to be ignorable. On the other hand, when gravity is important, such as in the orbits of planets, galaxies etc etc, all the other forces are miniscule, so you can just worry about gravity and use General Relativity instead of quantum mechanics.

The problem arises when gravity and other forces are of comparable strength, this require large densities (to make gravity strong) so is a problem for black holes and the early Universe. In theses regimes, the only answer is that we don't know. Coming up with a suitable single theory that looks like GR in the places were we now use GR, and QM in places we now use QM but that also doesn't break down for black holes and the early universe is one of the holy grails of modern physics, and there are no good indications that we are close to success at this stage.
 

1. What is the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is a scientific explanation for the origin of the universe. It suggests that the universe began as a single, infinitely dense point and has been expanding ever since.

2. How is the Big Bang theory supported by evidence?

There are several pieces of evidence that support the Big Bang theory, including the cosmic microwave background radiation, the abundance of light elements, and the expansion of the universe. These observations are consistent with the predictions of the theory.

3. What is gravity split in the context of the Big Bang theory?

Gravity split is a concept that suggests that in the early stages of the universe's expansion, gravity was a stronger force than it is today. As the universe cooled and expanded, gravity became weaker and other fundamental forces, such as electromagnetism, became more dominant.

4. How does gravity play a role in the formation of galaxies?

According to the Big Bang theory, gravity played a crucial role in the formation of galaxies. As matter clumped together due to the force of gravity, it formed dense regions that eventually became galaxies. The gravity of these galaxies also influences the motion of stars and other objects within them.

5. Can gravity split be tested through experiments?

While there is evidence to support the concept of gravity split, it is difficult to test through experiments. However, scientists are constantly conducting experiments and observations to better understand the early stages of the universe and the role of gravity in its evolution.

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