How Does the Weak Force Compare to Gravity in Strength?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the comparison between the weak force and gravity in terms of their strengths, the conditions under which such a comparison can be made, and the roles these forces play in the universe. It touches on theoretical aspects and conceptual clarifications regarding the nature of these fundamental forces.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether it is possible to compare the strength of the weak force to gravity and suggest that the comparison depends on the range at which the forces are evaluated.
  • One participant notes that the weak force, despite its name, is not actually weak as it is responsible for holding protons together, and its strength should be considered in relation to the strong force.
  • Another participant emphasizes that gravity, while the weakest force, plays a crucial role in binding the universe together due to its lack of an opposing force.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about whether the strong and weak forces oppose each other, indicating confusion about their interactions.
  • A participant clarifies that the weak interaction acts on both quarks and leptons, while the strong force does not act on leptons, which do not participate in strong interactions.
  • One participant suggests that all forces, except gravity, pivot around the weak force depending on the type of particle involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the comparison of the weak force and gravity, with no consensus reached on the nature of their strengths or interactions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between the strong and weak forces.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence of comparisons on the range of interaction and the specific particles involved, as well as the potential confusion surrounding the terminology and roles of the forces.

captain
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gravity and weak force

is it possible to compare the strength of weak force to gravity and if so how is weak force stronger than gravity?
 
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Difficult to compare because the weak force only applies over very short ranges (because the W+Z carriers are so massive ) so you would have to say at what range you are comparing them.
ps It's not actually that weak, it holds charged +ve protons next to each other, it's named more to compare with the strong force.
 
One thing that seems a bit confusing at times is that gravity, while being the weakest of all known forces, is what binds the universe together. That's because it's also the only force that doesn't have an opposing force.
 
Danger said:
One thing that seems a bit confusing at times is that gravity, while being the weakest of all known forces, is what binds the universe together. That's because it's also the only force that doesn't have an opposing force.

do strong and weak force oppose each other?
 
captain said:
do strong and weak force oppose each other?

The weak interaction acts between both quarks and leptons, whereas the strong force does not act between leptons. "Leptons have no color, so they do not participate in the strong interactions; neutrinos have no charge, so they experience no electromagnetic forces; but all of them join in the weak interactions."(Griffiths)

I think they all pivot around the weak force besides gravity, depending on the particle.
 

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