So when electrons zoom through a wire to charge your computer or phone or turn on your TV, for example, the wire becomes magnetic. The particles create a magnetic field around them as they move. But once set into motion, those charged particles begin to display the second component, the magnetic force. The electric component acts between charged particles whether they're moving or stationary, creating a field by which the charges can influence each other. At first, physicists described these forces of nature as separate from one another, but researchers later realized that the two are components of the same force. And much like gravity, this force can be felt from an infinite distance (albeit the force would be very, very small at that distance).Īs its name indicates, the electromagnetic force consists of two parts: the electric force and the magnetic force. The greater the charge, the greater the force. Opposite charges attract one another, while like charges repel. The electromagnetic force, also called the Lorentz force, acts between charged particles, like negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Fundamental forces of nature: Electromagnetic force The weak force is critical for the nuclear fusion reactions that power the sun and produce the energy needed for most life forms here on Earth. This decay happens at a predictable rate, allowing scientists to determine how old such artifacts are. Carbon-14 has six protons and eight neutrons one of those neutrons decays into a proton to make nitrogen-14, which has seven protons and seven neutrons. It's also why archaeologists can use carbon-14 to date ancient bone, wood and other formerly living artifacts. As a result, the subatomic particles decay into new particles, according to Georgia State University's HyperPhysics website. When subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons and electrons come within 10^-18 meters, or 0.1% of the diameter of a proton, of one another, they can exchange these bosons. In the weak force, the bosons are charged particles called W and Z bosons. Specific kinds of bosons are responsible for three of the fundamental forces of nature - the weak force, electromagnetic force and strong force. Physicists describe this interaction through the exchange of force-carrying particles called bosons. So, for example, a neutrino that strays close to a neutron can turn the neutron into a proton while the neutrino becomes an electron. This is the literal change of one type of subatomic particle into another. The weak force, also called the weak nuclear interaction, is responsible for particle decay. Fundamental forces of nature: The weak force And at the molecular and atomic levels, gravity has almost no effect relative to the other fundamental forces. Think of it this way: How hard is it to lift a ball off the ground? Or to lift your foot? Or to jump? All of those actions are counteracting the gravity of the entire Earth. Though gravity holds planets, stars, solar systems and even galaxies together, it turns out to be the weakest of the fundamental forces of nature, especially at the molecular and atomic scales.
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