- #1
John Clement Husain
- 25
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What causes Strong and Weak Forces? I know that they bind certain things around in our universe but what causes them?
What Causes Strong and Weak Forces in Our Universe?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the origins and nature of the strong and weak forces in the universe, exploring whether there are deeper causes or mechanisms behind these fundamental interactions. It encompasses theoretical considerations and philosophical implications regarding the existence of forces and matter.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the existence of a deeper "cause" for the strong and weak forces, suggesting that these forces are simply observed phenomena in our universe.
- One participant proposes that if the strong and weak interactions are limited to matter, then the causes of these forces might be attributed to the existence of matter itself.
- Another participant counters this by highlighting the problematic nature of assigning a cause-and-effect relationship between forces and matter, describing it as a 'chicken and egg' situation.
- It is noted that the four fundamental forces are considered truly fundamental, with no known underlying cause or mechanism currently identified.
- Participants express curiosity about the possibility of discovering a more fundamental explanation for these forces, indicating a desire for deeper understanding.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of deeper causes for the strong and weak forces, with multiple competing views presented regarding the relationship between forces and matter.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects limitations in understanding the fundamental nature of forces, with unresolved questions about the definitions and implications of causality in the context of fundamental interactions.
- #2
mfb
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We don't know if there is a deeper "cause". What would that even mean?
We observe that we live in a universe where these forces exist.
We observe that we live in a universe where these forces exist.
- #3
Fervent Freyja
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If the strong and weak interactions only apply to matter, then can't we say that the causes of the "forces" we observe are simply on account of that particular matter existing?
- #4
Drakkith
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Fervent Freyja said:
Not really. Trying to assign a cause and effect relationship between forces and matter is problematic, as there's no way to tell which one truly causes the other. It's a 'chicken and egg' situation in which neither have ever been shown to exist without the other. The best we can do is observe that there is a way that matter (and fields) interact. The rules by which these interactions occur lead us to group them into the four "forces" or "interactions" accordingly.
John Clement Husain said:
The four fundamental forces are truly fundamental. There is no known underlying cause or mechanism behind them. As I explained above, we observe that matter and fields interact and the four fundamental forces of nature are our collection of rules by which we explain the universe and predict what will happen in our models. If we find something more fundamental you'll probably see it plastered on science news sites around the internet, as it would be big news.
- #5
John Clement Husain
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Shouldn't we find it? we are curious creatures, after all
- #6
Drakkith
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John Clement Husain said:
You think we're not trying?
- #7
Fervent Freyja
Gold Member
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Drakkith said:You think we're not trying?
Not hard enough!
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