Unifying the Fundamental Forces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unification of the fundamental forces at certain energy levels and how these energy levels affect the strength of the forces. Participants explore concepts related to gauge bosons, charge screening, and the implications of supersymmetry (SUSY) in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that at certain energy levels, the fundamental forces are united or exhibit equal strength, questioning how energy levels influence force strength.
  • One participant discusses the coupling strength of force mediators (gauge bosons) changing with energy, using the electron charge as an example to explain charge screening effects at higher energies.
  • Another participant notes that at higher energy, the strong force may weaken while the weak and electromagnetic forces strengthen.
  • Some participants mention that the unification of forces is contingent upon the existence of supersymmetry (SUSY).
  • There is a request for clarification on the concept of SUSY, which is subsequently defined as supersymmetry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the conditions under which the unification of forces occurs, particularly the role of SUSY, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the implications of SUSY or the specific energy levels at which unification occurs, leaving these aspects open for further discussion.

Drakkith
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I've read that at certain energy levels the fundamental forces are united or are equal strength. How does the energy level affect the strength of the forces?
 
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Drakkith said:
I've read that at certain energy levels the fundamental forces are united or are equal strength. How does the energy level affect the strength of the forces?

The coupling strenght of the force mediateros (gauge bosons) change with energy. Trying to understand that with the electron charge as example;

The electron charge causes a field around the electron. In this field, dipoles of particle/anti-particle pairs are created and align themselves with the field, which causes a screening of the charge. The more we raise the energy, the shorter distances can we examine, the closer we get to the electron and the larger is the effective charge we measure.

At higher energy, the strong force gets weaker while the weak and electromagnetic force gets stronger.
 
Drakkith said:
I've read that at certain energy levels the fundamental forces are united or are equal strength. How does the energy level affect the strength of the forces?

It's probably worth noting that this unification only really works if there's SUSY.
 
Parlyne said:
It's probably worth noting that this unification only really works if there's SUSY.

What is SUSY?
 
Supersymmetry.
 
Kevin_Axion said:
Supersymmetry.

Ah ok.
 

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