SUMMARY
Massless particles, specifically photons and gluons, interact with forces beyond gravity. While photons are known to feel gravitational forces, they also interact with charged particles like electrons and protons. Gravitons, hypothesized to be massless, are theorized to travel at the speed of light but remain unobserved. Neutrinos, contrary to initial assumptions, possess mass and do not experience forces in the same manner as massive particles.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of particle physics concepts, including massless particles.
- Familiarity with the Standard Model of particle physics.
- Knowledge of fundamental forces, particularly gravity and the strong force.
- Basic comprehension of quantum mechanics and particle interactions.
NEXT STEPS
- Research the role of gluons in the strong force and their interactions with quarks.
- Explore the concept of gravitons and their theoretical implications in quantum gravity.
- Study the properties and interactions of neutrinos in particle physics.
- Investigate the implications of massless particles in quantum field theory.
USEFUL FOR
Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on particle physics, quantum mechanics, and theoretical physics, will benefit from this discussion.