Uniting Quantum Mechanics & General Relativity: 3 Forces & Geometry

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenge of uniting Quantum Mechanics (QM) and General Relativity (GR), specifically addressing the three fundamental forces in nature: strong, weak, and electromagnetism. It posits that reinterpreting gravity as a force rather than a geometric property may facilitate this unification. However, the complexity of developing a comprehensive theory of quantum gravity is emphasized, with a caution against oversimplifying the issue. The conversation concludes by highlighting the fundamental differences in how GR and QM conceptualize spacetime.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Mechanics and its three forces: strong, weak, electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with General Relativity and its geometric interpretation of spacetime
  • Knowledge of the concept of quantum gravity
  • Ability to differentiate between continuous and quantized representations of spacetime
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specific models of quantum gravity from peer-reviewed papers
  • Explore the implications of treating gravity as a force in theoretical physics
  • Study the differences between continuous and quantized spacetime representations
  • Investigate current theories attempting to unify QM and GR, such as string theory
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, theoretical researchers, and students interested in the unification of fundamental forces and the conceptual frameworks of Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity.

jines
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Physicists try to unite Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. QM deals with three forces in nature (i.e., strong, weak , electromagnetism), while GR deals with geometry of space. How can one unite 3 forces and geometry?
If one thinks of gravity as a force (not geometry), would one have a better chance at uniting it with the 3 other forces?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is basically asking "what will a theory of quantum gravity look like"? That question is much too broad. If you have a specific source (textbook or peer-reviewed paper) that proposes a specific model of quantum gravity, you can ask questions about it in a new thread. This thread is closed.
 
This is a very deep question and to think that by adjusting the wording i.e. considering gravity as a force will solve it is being very naive.

Here's a laymans discussion on the question:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/sc...nite-quantum-mechanics-general-relativity.htm

Basically the difference is that GR treats spacetime as a smooth continuous entity whereas quantum mechanics treats spacetime as quantized entity. It's like how lines are drawn on paper versus a computer screen. On paper or ideally, the line continuous at any magnificationwhereas on a computer screen as you zoom in you begin to see it's pixelated nature.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K