How are the four fundamental forces applied in the study of astronomy?
1 Answer
Each of the fundamental forces play important roles in astronomy.
Explanation:
The residual strong nuclear force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons into atomic nuclei. The weak nuclear force is responsible for radioactive beta decay and in particular converting protons into neutrons and vice versa. Both of these forces are key to describing how fusion reactions occur in stars and allow us to understand the different fusion processes which occur in stars.
The electromagnetic force describes the interaction between charged particles. In particular it describes all forms of electromagnetic radiation. Much of astronomy is concerned with observing the electromagnetic radiation from distant bodies. We observe them at all frequency from radio waves, through visible light to X-rays and gamma rays. Analysing the spectra of bodies enables us to determine their chemical composition.
Gravity describes how things move in space. It describes how planets and other bodies orbit the sun. It describes the shape and motion of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
