The Standard Model (What Don't I know?)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Standard Model of particle physics, specifically focusing on the mediation of forces by elementary particles and the implications of hypothetical materials that could block these particles. Participants explore concepts related to electromagnetic and gravitational forces, as well as the nature of particle exchange.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a material that blocks photons would render an object unaffected by the electromagnetic force, seeking clarification on the nature of particle exchange.
  • Another participant suggests that Lead is effective at blocking certain forces, implying its relevance to the discussion on electromagnetic interactions.
  • A follow-up question is posed regarding the hypothetical existence of gravitons and whether a material blocking them could allow for defying gravity.
  • In response, a participant argues that even if gravitons exist, gravity is fundamentally linked to the curvature of spacetime, suggesting that a material would not influence gravitational attraction.
  • The participant reiterates that Lead does not block magnetism, which is part of the electromagnetic force, further complicating the discussion on material properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of blocking particles related to electromagnetic and gravitational forces. There is no consensus on the effects of hypothetical materials on these forces.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes speculative elements regarding the existence of gravitons and the properties of materials like Lead, which may not fully address the complexities of force mediation in the Standard Model.

MrJohnnyPrice
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
A big part of the theory of the standard model is that the major forces are mediated by the exchanging of elementary particles. So hypothetically, if we discovered some material that blocked the photon, for example, does this mean an object wrapped in this material would be unaffected by the electromagnetic force?

Basically this is a question about what kind of exchanging of particles we're talking about. Is it an exchange in the sense of how atoms exchange electrons, or am I completely off?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Last I checked, Lead works pretty well.
 
Oh, so follow-up question: If the graviton exists, and if there is a material to block it, we would theoretically be able to defy gravity?
 
Gravitons are speculative and even if they existed, I don't believe so. Gravity is the curvature of spacetime and thus the attraction between two objects wouldn't be affected by a material between the two objects.

Nabeshin said:
Last I checked, Lead works pretty well.

Lead doesn't block magnetism, which is an electromagnetic force.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
689
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
9K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K