Fundamental interactions

Despite the fact that there are a lot of elementary particles in various substances, the fundamental physical interactions are represented by four types: strong, electromagnetic, weak and gravitational. The latter is considered the most comprehensive.

Gravity affects all macro-bodies and microparticles without exception. Absolutely all elementary particles are subjected to gravitational action . It manifests itself in the form of universal gravitation. This fundamental interaction governs the most global processes taking place in the universe. Gravity provides the structural stability of the solar system.

In accordance with modern concepts, fundamental interactions arise from the exchange of particles. Gravity is formed by the exchange of gravitons.

Fundamental interactions - gravitational and electromagnetic - are by their nature long-range. The forces corresponding to them can manifest themselves at considerable distances. These fundamental interactions have their own peculiarities.

Electromagnetic interaction is described by similar charges (electric charges). In this case, charges can have both a positive and a negative sign. Electromagnetic forces, in contrast to gravitational forces (gravity), can act as forces of repulsion and attraction. This interaction causes the chemical and physical properties of various substances, materials, living tissue. Electromagnetic forces actuate both electronic and electrical equipment, thus connecting charged particles with each other.

Fundamental interactions are known outside the narrow circle of astronomers and physicists to varying degrees.

Despite the lesser popularity (in comparison with other types), weak forces play an important role in the life of the universe. So, if there was no weak interaction, then the stars would go out, the Sun. These forces are related to short-range forces. The radius of weak interaction is about a thousand times smaller than that of nuclear forces.

Nuclear forces are considered to be the most powerful of the others. Strong interactions are determined only between hadrons. Nuclear forces acting in the nucleus between nucleons are its manifestation. Strong interaction is about a hundred times more powerful than electromagnetic. Differing from the gravitational (as, in fact, from the electromagnetic), it is short-range at a distance that is greater than 10-15 m. In addition, its description is possible with the help of three charges forming complex combinations.

The range of action is considered the most important sign of fundamental interaction. The radius of action is the maximum distance that is formed between the particles. Behind it, interaction can be neglected. A small radius characterizes the force as short-range, large radius - as long-range.

As noted above, weak and strong interactions are considered to be short-range. Their intensity decreases rapidly with increasing distance between particles. These interactions are manifested in small distances that are inaccessible to sensory perception. In this regard, these forces were discovered much later than the rest (only in the twentieth century). In this case, rather complicated experimental installations were applied. Gravitational and electromagnetic types of fundamental interactions are considered to be long-range. They are distinguished by a slow decrease with increasing distance between particles and are not endowed with a finite radius of action.