Is the weak and strong force the same force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the weak force and the strong force in particle physics, specifically questioning whether they can be unified. The weak force, mediated by W and Z bosons, is connected to the electromagnetic force, forming the electroweak force. The conversation highlights the complexity of nuclear reactions and the role of quark interactions, suggesting that while the weak force may seem artificial, it is a fundamental aspect of particle interactions as supported by SU(2) gauge theory. Observations of W and Z particles confirm the theoretical framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, including quarks and bosons.
  • Familiarity with the electroweak theory and its components.
  • Knowledge of gauge theories, particularly SU(2) gauge theory.
  • Basic grasp of nuclear reactions and interactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the electroweak unification and its implications in particle physics.
  • Study the properties and roles of W and Z bosons in particle interactions.
  • Explore the differences between strong and weak nuclear forces in detail.
  • Investigate the experimental evidence supporting SU(2) gauge theory.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, physicists exploring fundamental forces, and anyone interested in the unification of forces in the Standard Model.

per.sundqvist
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Hello, I'm a novice in this field, but there is one thing I have been wondering about for a long time. Maby you could help me understand it?

I think it must be enough to only use the quark-quark forces to describe all nuclear reactions, even things like n-> p+e+v, but it is perhaps a lot more complicated. The introduction of the W- particle as the carrier of the "force" seems not to be really a first principle force.

d → u + W−
W− → e− + νe

I think, but correct me if I'm wrong, that a large energy amount could create something which looks like, or could be interpreted as a particle, the W- for instance. But if it is really a fundamental particle, why is it unstable?

Is this only all about that it is more easy to use an "artificial" force rather than attacking it from first principles by using the real strong force? Cannot the properties of the weak interaction (I googled it) be understood in some kind of quantum dynamics in terms of the strong force? I guess it is complicated, but anyway it would be more satisfactory and pure.

Thanks in advice,
Per
 
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No, the weak force is connected to the electromagnetic force -> can be unified to electroweak force.

Why is the strong force real and the weak force artificial?

Also the particles W and Z have been observed, so the SU(2) - gauge theory is rigour, both in theory and experiment.
 

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