Could the Discovery of the Graviton Connect Quantum and Classical Physics?

In summary, gauge bosons such as W and Z bosons, gluons, and photons have been discovered. While there is speculation that the graviton, if real, could be proven by smashing atoms at CERN, this is not accurate as gravitons are not bound to atoms. The LHC, which smashes subatomic particles, would not be able to reach the necessary energies to directly probe quantum gravity.
  • #1
Physics4Eva
13
8
TL;DR Summary
In school we've been looking into easy concepts such as Newton's Laws and gravity. However, today I remembered gravitons. Considering how this partical connects with atoms, is it possible that this particle, if discovered, could lead to a theory connecting the basic forces of nature?
W and Z bosons, gluons, and photons are all gauge bosons that have been found. Since the graviton can be connnected to atoms and mass in certain ways, I think that CERN may eventually prove the graviton(if real) through smashing atoms that, supposedly, have a graviton orbiting them. Could finding this particle help to provide better understanding of the four basic forces and, therefore, connect quantum physics and classical physics?
Thank you for your insight!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Physics4Eva said:
I think that CERN may eventually prove the graviton(if real) through smashing atoms that, supposedly, have a graviton orbiting them.

Not sure where you heard this from, but it is incorrect. Gravitons are not orbiting atoms. The would be similar to photons in that they exist as real particles in gravitational waves and as virtual particles mediating the gravitational force between objects. But you won't find them bound to anything.
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71
  • #3
Physics4Eva said:
I think that CERN may eventually prove the graviton

No, it won't be able to; to reach energies that would enable us to probe the quantum gravity regime directly in accelerators (which, btw, would not, as @Drakkith says, involve trying to smash atoms with gravitons "orbiting" in them--modern accelerators like the LHC don't smash atoms any more anyway, they smash subatomic particles; the LHC smases together hadrons--strongly interacting particles like the proton--hence the name Large Hadron Collider), we would have to build accelerators many orders of magnitude larger than the ones we have now. Such an accelerator would not fit on planet Earth, and probably would not even fit inside the solar system.
 
  • Like
Likes Physics4Eva and vanhees71

What are gravitons?

Gravitons are hypothetical particles that are believed to carry the force of gravity. They are predicted by certain theories, such as string theory, but have not yet been observed or proven to exist.

How do gravitons relate to the other basic forces?

Gravitons are thought to be responsible for the force of gravity, which is one of the four basic forces in the universe. The other three forces are the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and electromagnetism.

Can gravitons be detected?

As gravitons are still considered hypothetical particles, they have not been observed or detected. However, scientists are working on experiments and technologies that may one day be able to detect them.

Do gravitons explain the nature of gravity?

While gravitons are predicted to carry the force of gravity, they do not fully explain the nature of gravity. Theories such as general relativity provide a more comprehensive understanding of gravity and its effects.

What are the implications of discovering gravitons?

If gravitons are discovered and proven to exist, it would greatly advance our understanding of the universe and potentially lead to new technologies and advancements in physics. It could also help reconcile the theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
991
Replies
46
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
918
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
14
Views
3K
Back
Top