Re-Defining Gravitational Stimulus: using Particle Physics?

Re-Defining Gravitational Stimulus: What is Particle Physics? Fundamental Particles Map Photon, W(have either positive or negative charge, interacts with magnetic field as wellas the weak field), X bosons does not have charge

Protons and Neutrons are Baryons Fermions , all fermions have anti particles

Quarks (colours red, green or blue) and Gluons

Leptons

Field Interactions

Gravity

The four fundamental forces - electromagnetism, strong force, weak force, gravity

string theory unites all forces

how to imagine particles - zoom in a star

how different particles move through space, f.e photos move with the speed of light

what role different particles play in the matter of space

are there other particles that haven't been detected

redefining gravitational stimulus - what particles are involved in gravity, how those interact, can we look at things sideways if we also explore the Einstein theory of general relativity, that mass pulls matter and Energy is equal to mass multiplied by the speed of light What does particles physics means to gravity - gravity is the weakest force in particle physics. What pulls particles together is their electromagnetic charge.

how gravity changes particles

what is the future of particle physics, why we want to know it, to understand better space, objects and theoretical physics which applies all physics.

Particle physics studies the tiniest building blocks of matter and energy and how they interact to form the universe. It explores particles like electrons, quarks, and photons, and the forces-electromagnetism, strong nuclear, weak nuclear, and sometimes gravity-that govern their behavior. Instead of focusing on the Standard Model, let’s look at particle physics through alternative lenses and key ideas that don’t rely on that specific framework. At its core, particle physics asks: What are the fundamental components of reality, and how do they work together? It uses high-energy experiments, like particle accelerators, to probe these questions by smashing particles together and observing what emerges.

Here are some ways to understand particle physics without leaning on the Standard Model:

1. Historical and Experimental Perspective Particle physics grew from early discoveries like the electron (1897) and the nucleus (1911). Scientists found that atoms weren’t indivisible but made of smaller bits. Over time, accelerators revealed a zoo of particles-protons, neutrons, pions, kaons, and more. Today, experiments like those at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider recreate conditions close to the Big Bang to uncover new particles or interactions.

This approach emphasizes discovery through observation, not a fixed theory, focusing on what experiments reveal about matter’s smallest scales.

2. Forces and Interactions You can think of particle physics as the study of how tiny particles talk to each other through forces. Imagine particles as marbles connected by invisible springs: - Electromagnetic force makes charged particles attract or repel, like magnets. - Strong force glues particles inside nuclei, acting like a super-strong, short-range adhesive. - Weak force triggers changes in particles, like in radioactive decay. - Gravity , though weaker at tiny scales, might play a role in theories beyond current models. Particles exchange other particles (like photons for electromagnetism) to mediate these forces, almost like passing messages. This view focuses on interactions as the heart of the field.

3. Quantum World View Particle physics operates in the quantum realm, where things behave strangely. Particles can act like waves, exist in multiple states at once (superposition), or be entangled across vast distances. Instead of solid objects, think of particles as ripples in fields that fill the universe-like ripples on a pond. These fields vibrate to create particles we detect. Quantum field theory, without specifying the Standard Model, provides a flexible way to describe these ripples and their interactions, emphasizing probabilities over certainties.

4. Cosmological Connections Particle physics connects to the big picture of the universe. By studying tiny particles, scientists learn about the Big Bang, black holes, and dark matter. For example: - Why is there more matter than antimatter? Particle physics explores this imbalance. - What is dark matter, which doesn’t emit or absorb light but affects gravity? Experiments search for particles that might explain it. - How did the universe evolve in its first moments? Particle collisions mimic those early conditions. This approach ties particle physics to the cosmos, focusing on its role in answering big questions.

5. Alternative Theoretical Frameworks Beyond the Standard Model, particle physics can be explored through other ideas: - String Theory : Suggests particles aren’t points but tiny, vibrating strings. Different vibrations create different particles, potentially unifying all forces, including gravity. - Loop Quantum Gravity : Focuses on space and time as grainy, not smooth, offering a way to include gravity at tiny scales without standard particles. - Supersymmetry : Proposes each particle has a heavier partner, which could explain dark matter or unify forces differently. These frameworks shift the focus from a fixed set of particles to dynamic, theoretical possibilities.

6. Practical Impacts Particle physics isn’t just abstract-it drives technology. Accelerators developed for particle research led to medical imaging like MRI and cancer treatments via proton therapy. Understanding particles also informs advances in materials and energy. This view emphasizes the field’s real-world ripple effects, not just its theoretical side. Why Avoid the Standard Model Here? The Standard Model is a specific theory that catalogs particles (quarks, leptons, bosons) and forces (except gravity) in a mathematical framework. But particle physics is broader-it’s an ongoing quest. By focusing on experiments, forces, quantum behavior, or alternative theories, you see the field as a living, evolving science, not locked into one model. The Standard Model, while successful, doesn’t cover everything (like gravity or dark matter), so these perspectives highlight the bigger picture.

Gravity on Earth feels strong because it’s the force that keeps us grounded, shapes our daily experience, and holds the planet together, but in the context of fundamental forces, it’s actually the weakest of the four (electromagnetic, strong nuclear, weak nuclear, and gravity). Let’s unpack why gravity seems strong and what determines its strength on Earth, tying this to particle physics concepts without relying solely on the Standard Model, as you requested.

Why Gravity Feels Strong on Earth

1. Mass of the Earth: Gravity’s strength depends on the mass of the objects involved and the distance between them, as described by Newton’s law of universal gravitation: ( F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} ), where ( G ) is the gravitational constant, ( m_1 ) and ( m_2 ) are the masses of two objects (e.g., you and Earth), and ( r ) is the distance between their centers. Earth’s mass (about ( 5.972 \times 10^{24} ) kg) is huge compared to everyday objects like you or a car, so it exerts a significant pull (9.8 m/s², or 1g) at its surface. This makes gravity feel dominant because it’s always acting on us, unlike other forces that require specific conditions (e.g., magnetism needs magnetic materials).

2. Human Scale and Perception: We perceive gravity as strong because it’s a constant force affecting everything equally, regardless of charge or composition. You feel it when you jump and get pulled back down or when you lift something heavy. Unlike the strong nuclear force (which acts over tiny distances inside atoms) or electromagnetism (which can be shielded), gravity is inescapable at our scale. This constant presence makes it seem powerful, even though it’s weaker than other forces in absolute terms.

3. Comparison to Other Forces: In particle physics, gravity is incredibly weak compared to other fundamental forces. For example:

   • The electromagnetic force between two electrons is about ( 10^{42} ) times stronger than their gravitational attraction.

   • The strong nuclear force is roughly 100 times stronger than electromagnetism and ( 10^{38} ) times stronger than gravity at the scale of atomic nuclei. Yet, gravity dominates at large scales (like planets) because it’s cumulative—every bit of Earth’s mass contributes—and it has an infinite range, unlike the strong or weak forces, which act only over tiny distances (( 10^{-15} ) m and ( 10^{-18} ) m, respectively).

Why Gravity’s Strength Is What It Is

1. Planetary Context: Earth’s gravity is “just right” due to its size and density. Compared to other bodies:

   • Moon: Gravity is 1/6th of Earth’s (1.625 m/s²) because the Moon is less massive and smaller.

   • Jupiter: Gravity is 2.5 times Earth’s (24.79 m/s²) due to its massive size.

   • Black holes: Gravity is so intense that even light can’t escape, due to extreme mass in a tiny volume. Earth’s gravity feels strong enough to keep us from floating away but allows us to move and build without being crushed, a balance tied to its mass and radius (about 6,371 km).

2. Particle Physics Perspective: In particle physics, gravity’s weakness is a puzzle (the hierarchy problem). While we don’t fully understand gravity at the quantum level, here’s how it fits without the Standard Model:

   • Quantum Gravity Hypotheses: Gravity might be mediated by a hypothetical particle, the graviton, a massless particle with spin-2, unlike other force carriers (e.g., photons for electromagnetism). Its weakness could stem from how gravitons interact with matter or because gravity “leaks” into extra dimensions (a concept from string theory or braneworld models). These ideas suggest gravity’s strength is diluted compared to other forces.

   • Field View: Think of gravity as a curvature in spacetime (from Einstein’s general relativity) rather than a particle exchange. Earth’s mass warps spacetime, and objects follow that curvature, which we experience as gravity’s pull. This geometric view explains its strength as a function of mass and distance, not particle interactions alone.

   • Alternative Theories: In frameworks like loop quantum gravity, spacetime is made of tiny loops, and gravity’s strength might depend on how these loops are structured at the smallest scales (( 10^{-35} ) m, the Planck scale). These theories aim to explain why gravity is so weak compared to other forces.

3. Cosmological Role: Gravity seems strong on Earth because it shapes large-scale structures. It holds the atmosphere, keeps oceans in place, and drives planetary orbits. In particle physics, gravity’s role is less clear at tiny scales, but its cumulative effect over Earth’s massive scale makes it dominant in our daily lives. Theories beyond the Standard Model, like string theory, suggest gravity might connect to extra dimensions, making it appear weaker at particle scales but still significant for planets.

Why Isn’t Gravity Stronger or Weaker?

• Anthropic Argument: Earth’s gravity is “just right” for life as we know it. If it were much stronger, we’d be crushed; if much weaker, the atmosphere might not stay, and life might not have evolved. This is less about particle physics and more about the conditions that allow complex systems like humans to exist.

• Fundamental Constants: The gravitational constant ( G ) (( 6.674 \times 10^{-11} , \text{m}^3 \text{kg}^{-1} \text{s}^{-2} )) sets gravity’s strength universally. Why it has this value is unknown, but particle physics theories (e.g., string theory) suggest it could be tied to the universe’s fundamental structure or extra dimensions.

• Dark Matter Influence: Dark matter, which doesn’t emit or absorb light, adds to Earth’s gravitational field indirectly by contributing to the galaxy’s mass. While its effect on Earth’s surface gravity is minimal, it highlights how unseen factors can influence gravity’s perceived strength in cosmic contexts.

  
  

Particle Physics Connection Without the Standard Model

In particle physics, gravity’s weakness is a key mystery. Experiments like those at the Large Hadron Collider probe whether gravity behaves differently at high energies, potentially revealing new particles (like gravitons) or phenomena (like extra dimensions). For example:

• High-Energy Collisions: Smashing particles at near-light speeds might produce micro black holes or signs of extra dimensions, hinting at why gravity is weak at small scales but feels strong on Earth.

• Dark Matter Searches: Underground detectors (e.g., LUX-ZEPLIN) look for particles that might explain dark matter, which could indirectly affect gravitational effects.

• Cosmic Microwave Background: Studies of the early universe suggest gravity’s role in shaping cosmic structures, linking particle physics to cosmology.

  
  

Why It Matters

Gravity on Earth feels strong because of the planet’s mass and our constant interaction with it, but in particle physics, it’s the weakest force, posing questions about its nature. Theories like string theory or loop quantum gravity offer alternative ways to understand it, focusing on spacetime’s structure or hypothetical particles. If gravity were much stronger, life might not exist; if weaker, the universe’s structure might unravel.