Can Gravity and Electromagnetism Be Unified in Physics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential unification of gravity and electromagnetism (EM) in physics. Participants explore the idea that gravity, traditionally viewed as a force acting on large bodies, could be understood as an effect of electromagnetic density at the atomic level. However, it is established that Einstein's theory posits mass warps spacetime, creating gravitational forces, a concept linked to the Higgs particle and field. String theory is identified as a leading candidate in the ongoing quest to unify these fundamental forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and spacetime concepts
  • Familiarity with electromagnetism principles
  • Knowledge of the Higgs particle and its role in mass
  • Basic grasp of string theory and its implications in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Einstein's general relativity on gravitational forces
  • Explore the principles of electromagnetism at the atomic level
  • Study the role of the Higgs field in particle physics
  • Investigate current theories and developments in string theory
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental forces of nature and their potential unification.

SBryars
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gravity vs. EM HELP ME!

As I understand it, gravity applies to large bodies and electromagnetism applies to small bodies? gravity being the weaker of the two forces.
can these two theories be unified?

assuming the eltromagnetic attraction of particles at the atomic level, wouldn't it be intuitive to say that gravity is the effect of a bodies' elctromagnetic density on another bodies electomagnetic density? The greater the mass and density of an object, the greater the attraction on other objects. this would smooth the problem between large and small body attraction, no? there would be no warping of spacetime to account for the attraction of large bodies, just the magnetic attraction of all masses at the atomic level.
 
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can these two theories be unified?
Thats the big question in physics at the moment and string theory is one of the main contenders.

As for gravity being a form of EM, which is a fair conclusion to draw, its not correct. Einstein tells us that mass warps space time in such a way as to cause gravitational forces. This mass is supposedly caused by the higgs particle and field
 

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