Which force is the weakest of the four fundamental forces?
Quick Answer
Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces when compared at the particle level. Yet it dominates on large scales because it is always attractive and has infinite range.
The Full Story
At the level of individual particles, gravity is vastly weaker than the electromagnetic, strong and weak forces. For example, the electric repulsion between two protons is enormously larger than their gravitational attraction. However, gravity never cancels out in the same way electric charges can, so the total effect of large masses becomes overwhelming. That is why gravity rules stars, planets and galaxies even though it is weak microscopically. This contrast is one of the striking features of modern physics.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The weakest force becomes the boss of the cosmos."
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