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Name: LRB
Status: other
Age: 15
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
Why do scientists have so much of a problem with unifying electromagnetism and gravity? They are already quite similar. Both of the forces are thought to be carried by a massless quantum, and both of them have infinite range. Both of them get weaker with distance also.

Replies:
LRB -

An interesting question.

There are significant similarities in the formulas for gravitational force, magnetic force, and electrical force. We combined magnetic and electrical force years ago when we realized that magnetic force could be converted into electrical force and visa versa. If you could use gravity to create electrical force (and reverse it) you would have a good case for making them one force... and you would be famous.. the "LRB principle".

By the way, electrical force can attract or repel. Gravity - in our experience - only attracts. Is that a case for them being different forces, or is it just that we have never produced ungravity?

LEK


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