Why do the 4 forces have the strength that they do?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why the four fundamental forces, particularly the strong nuclear force, have the strengths that they do. Participants explore the implications of these forces in various physical systems and their role in maintaining atomic structures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the strength of the strong nuclear force is necessary to hold protons and neutrons together, implying that it must be strong enough to maintain the integrity of atomic structures.
  • Another participant argues that the nature of forces is dependent on the physical systems identified by humans, indicating that the strength and range of forces are tied to the structures observed in the universe.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that physics may not adequately address "why" questions, suggesting that the focus should be on describing observed phenomena rather than seeking deeper reasons for the forces' strengths.
  • One participant mentions the Anthropic principle as a possible explanation for the strength of forces, while expressing skepticism about its logical validity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the reasons behind the strengths of the forces. Multiple competing views are presented, with some emphasizing observational frameworks and others suggesting philosophical implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects limitations in understanding the fundamental nature of forces and the assumptions underlying various explanations. The relationship between experimental findings and theoretical models remains unresolved.

KarminValso1724
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For example, why is the strong nuclear force strong enough to hole protons and neutrons together.
 
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KarminValso1724 said:
why is the strong nuclear force strong enough to hole protons and neutrons together.

the nature of forces depend on the available physical systems identified by human kind in the environment and surrounding- if one has various elements on earth/universe having the structure investigated so far -to sustain the structure one has identified the nature, its strength and range of forces of interaction.

To substantiate the above argument -when we investigate the structure of Deuteron nucleus we get the idea of the the force which must operate between the neutron and proton to get a bound nucleus of deuteron- so if somebody asks why it is strong?

one can answer that it must be so strong to keep the structure intact and not fall apart.
The above is a limited picture -the interactive forces must have other properties such that all experimental findings on Deuteron may be reproduced.

e.g. if the deuteron nuclei show a quadrupole moment however small in value the n-p force must have features to theoretically support it.
this is the process of investigation of physical events/phenomena being observed in nature and devising ways and means to define the nature of various kind of forces.
 
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KarminValso1724 said:
For example, why is the strong nuclear force strong enough to hole protons and neutrons together.
Physics really isn't about that kind of "why" question. We observe what nature does and physics is the framework in which we describe it to the best of our abilities.
 
Nobody knows. Some people assume the Anthropic principle holds, though I feel this is logically suspect.
 
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