Section 16

Physics and Thermodynamics

Tables

Table 16.1

Four fundamental forces

Image

The strong force holds a nucleus together against the enormous forces of repulsion of the protons. The electromagnetic force is an infinite-range attractive or repulsive force that acts between charged particles. The weak force transforms an up quark to a down quark (or vice versa), resulting in beta decay. Gravitational force is the force of attraction between all masses in the universe, especially the attraction of the Earth’s mass for bodies near its surface.

Source: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Windows to the Universe, < http://www.windows.ucar.edu ...

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