Connecting Newton and Coulomb: Is There a Link Between Their Laws?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential connections between Newton's law of universal gravitation and Coulomb's law of electrostatics. Participants explore the idea of unifying these two fundamental forces, considering both mathematical and physical perspectives, and inquire about theories beyond string theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about any existing links between Newton's and Coulomb's laws, suggesting a potential unification of electromagnetism and gravity.
  • Another participant questions the nature of the link being sought and suggests that the mathematical connection is straightforward through potential theory and differential equations.
  • Some participants express interest in Grand Unified Theories (GUT) and seek information beyond string theory regarding the unification of these forces.
  • There is a discussion about the clarity of communication, with one participant struggling to understand another's phrasing and grammar, which leads to a focus on the need for clear expression of ideas.
  • Participants debate the merits of string theory as a possible theory of everything (TOE) while also considering the existence of alternative theories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of a physical link between the laws or on the validity of string theory as the only approach to unification. Multiple competing views remain regarding the potential for alternative theories.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of terms used in the discussion, indicating a need for clearer communication. The conversation also reflects varying levels of familiarity with advanced theoretical concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring theoretical physics, particularly in the context of unifying fundamental forces and the implications of different theories like string theory and GUT.

delplace
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Do you know if someone already found a link between Newton : F = G mm'/r^2 and Coulomb : F = K qq'/r^2 laws ?
 
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link? what kind of link? Please specify at what level this link "should be".

Are you asking if there is a theory of unification of electromagnetism and gravity?

The mathematical link is trivial, it is simple potential theory and differential equations.
 
of course the mathematical link is trivial but I was thinking about the unification between electromagnetism and gravity. I know it is the famous GUT that everybody wait. But I wanted to know if a great expert like you has original informations out of string theory.
 
no GUT is strong + electro + weak.

If you want to acquire information about string theory, we have a sub forum called "Beyond the standard model" where people are more than happy to answer your questions and put you in the right direction.

However, I encourage you to search for older threads and reading FAQ and sticky threads and the forum rules before proceeding.
 
you have not respond to my question, I said "out" of string theory !
 
I can't understand everything you are posting here since your English is not "the best".

"original informations out of string theory"

Means what?? The grammar in that sentence is also wrong, sorry, but it is really hard to know what you mean.
 
ok glenn I will try : I mean : do you know something different from string theory and able to make a physical (not mathematical) link between these laws.
 
"something different from string theory"

do you mean

"something different THAN string theory"?

Also, the physical link will involve math of course...
 
true, different than string theory and with all the math you want :-)
 
  • #10
why not string theory?
 
  • #11
why not ?
 
  • #12
Yes, why don't you consider String Theory as a possible TOE?
 
  • #13
I consider string theory a possible way but perhaps it is not the only way and my question is do you know another way ?
 
  • #14
well as I said, better to ask in the "beyond the standard model forum", a mentor will most probably move this thread to that place for you.
 
  • #15
ok glenn thank you for your help and I hope to exchange with you asap
 

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