1

What are the equations for the strong and weak force, like how for the Electrostatics the equation is $F_c= k*Q*q/(r*r)$. I understand to an extend what the strong and weak forces are. However, I would like to know what the equations for calculating the forces. Also can you explain how the equations works and define the variables.

I understand that they may not be as simple and as pretty and the electrostatic one.

Qmechanic
  • 201,751
ThisIsMe
  • 11

1 Answers1

2

There is and there isn't an equation. What I mean is that there is no universal equation for all cases. For example, the equation for strong force $V(r) = - \frac{4}{3} \frac{\alpha_s(r) \hbar c}{r} + kr$ only applies to quarkonium. This is different for the gravity equation which applies in all cases.

Jimmy360
  • 3,942
  • 1
    Can you explain what these variables mean please? – ThisIsMe Mar 08 '15 at 23:09
  • If that is the equation for the strong force for quarkonium, is there one for the weak force as well? – ThisIsMe Mar 08 '15 at 23:13
  • V(r) is the potential of the strong force, k is field energy per unit length, c is the speed of light, and h-bar is Planck's constant over 2pi – Jimmy360 Mar 08 '15 at 23:14
  • I dont know of an equation for weak force in quarkonium – Jimmy360 Mar 08 '15 at 23:21
  • The weak force is called weak because its strength is very much smaller than the electromagnetic. In addition the 1/r potential appears in electromagnetism and gravity because the exchanged boson is massless ( photon, graviton) . The weak interaction is mediated with the W and Z which lead to immediate decays for unstable particles and no long range effects as with electromagnetism and gravity. Only at unification energies and higher one could talk of a single form for the unified electroweak force. ( I assume 1/r potential but may be wrong) – anna v Jun 18 '15 at 03:08