Understanding the Forces: From Bosons to Gravitons
Understanding the Forces: From Bosons to Gravitons
Throughout the history of physics, the forces that govern the universe have puzzled scientists and theorists alike. The strong force is carried by gluons, the electromagnetic force by photons, and the weak force by weak bosons W and Z. However, the nature of gravity remains a mystery, overshadowed by the quantum picture of interactions, and the hypothetical gravitons remain elusive.
Force-carrying Particles: A Fundamental Concept
Force is fundamentally defined as the rate of change of momentum (dp/dt). Therefore, any particle that can exchange momentum is a force-carrying particle. The confusion often arises from the concept of force, which is often interpreted in terms of changes in potential energy in a field. However, force is equally real as a result of momentum exchange. Einstein's famous equation, Emc^2, further supports this view as it correlates mass and energy, emphasizing the quantum nature of forces.
The Role of Bosons and Particles in Force Mediation
Particle theories of forces, such as the ones involving gluons, photons, and weak bosons, are used to explain interactions at a distance. However, these theories do not make concrete predictions about the nature of these forces. The Higgs mechanism, for example, does not predict instant local inertial reactions nor provide a clear rationale for a particle-based elastic strong force between nucleons.
While these theories are effective in explaining some phenomena, they may be leading the scientific community in the wrong direction. Alternative theories, such as those based on the dynamic interaction between space and mass, offer a more promising avenue. These theories can make reasonably accurate predictions, suggesting that the scientific brain train may have gone off track many years ago.
Radiation and the Emergence of Mass and Energy
My classical understanding of particle interaction and classification starts with the assumption that radiation is evaporated matter traveling at the speed of light in vacuum. Radiation, which can fully and reversibly convert to matter and vice versa, carries most of the attributes of matter, including electric and magnetic fields, momentum, and energy.
When radiation condenses into matter, it forms closed loops in the form of standing waves, avoiding destructive interference. This condensation gives rise to rest energy and rest mass, leading to the emergence of gravity and intrinsic spin from the trapped momentum. The electric charge and magnetic dipole moment also arise from the rotation of the standing wave, supporting the theory that mass is essentially electromagnetic energy.
Like bosons, radiation can pack into any intensity without limiting in direction. Matter, on the other hand, behaves like fermions, where two fermions cannot occupy the same point in space without changing or destroying each other. Gravity, as a force, is always attractive, resulting in a spin of '2'. Electromagnetic forces have a spin of '1', and fermions have a spin of '1/2' due to their force normal interactions.
Bosons in Particle Physics and the Graviton Hypothesis
Bosons like W and Z bosons have extremely short lives, thought to be halfway between bosons and fermions. Radiation that is trapped temporarily but not in a stable state can disintegrate quickly, leading to increased mass. This is similar to the phenomenon of 'heavy light' in physics, where light appears to have mass within a plasma but loses it as soon as it leaves.
The use of the term 'particle' for bosons in these cases is somewhat confusing, as there is no actual trapping involved. This is because matter particles are vibrational systems; energy is exchanged in discrete amounts, following Planck's formula (Enhf), where 'n' is the number of photon particles, 'h' is the Planck constant, and 'f' is the frequency. This discretization is a calculation convenience, as a photon's energy and size depend on its color and frequency, which are not discrete.
Conclusion
The exploration of force-carrying particles, from bosons to the hypothetical gravitons, has profound implications for our understanding of the universe. While our current theories provide valuable insights, they may be lacking in predictive power and clarity. The classical view of radiation and its interaction with matter could offer a more comprehensive framework for understanding the forces that govern the universe.