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FOR AGES 10 AND UP

INFORMATION - FUNDAMENTAL FORCES OF NATURE - BASIC

Dear Friend:

We knew something about elements, some very basic things about atoms and subatomic particles.

Now we are going know about forces.

There are four fundamental forces of nature. They are:

Gravitational force,

Electric force,

Weak force, and

Strong force.

Gravitational force is the weakest force of nature. Yet it is so strong that it holds our universe together.

Moon is attracted to the Earth and the Earth is attracted to the Sun by this force.

Gravitational force is the force which keeps apple falling to the ground. If it is not there than the apple wouldn't fall on to the earth, instead it would stay hanging in the sky where it is or it would fly away and away in the sky just like a kite.

Electric force is the force which lights our bulbs and runs our computers.

When we see something, touch something, or feel something it is the electric force we are experiencing.

When we flex our muscles we experience electric force.

Magnetic force is the force which causes attraction between magnet and the metal iron.

These two forces are not different but are two aspect of one single force just like two sides of one coin.

Electricity can be converted into magnetic force and magnetic force can be converted into electric force.

Some times it is known as Electromagnetic force.

A positively charged proton attracts a negatively charged electron in an atom.

Earth is a big magnet with north and south poles.

The weak force, also known as nuclear weak force, is about 10 million times weaker than the strong force.

And its range is even shorter than that of the strong force-about one-hundredth the size of a proton.

But it is not weak. It is stronger than even gravitational force.

This weak force is capable of changing a neutron into a proton.

Scientists now say that this weak force and electric force are also two different aspect of one force, called

Electroweak force.

The strong force is an attractive force that binds neutrons and protons together.

It really acts between quarks.

It has a very short range. It disappears at distances greater than the size of an average nucleus.

Compared to strong force,  gravity and the electric force can act over huge intergalactic distances.

Now, have you thought of all these forces not being separate but parts of one single force?

Albert Einstein thought of it. Some scientists have thought of it.

It is known as Grand Unification Theory.

According to this theory all the four known forces stem from a single force.

They called this force as Grand Unified Force.

Some of you will find out something new about this in future.

You are the future force!

GREAT!!!

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