Final answer:
The electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force, and gravity are integral in binding elements and ensuring harmony among them. They collectively influence the structure of matter, the stability of atomic nuclei, and the large-scale structure of the universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to which forces bind elements in place and ensure harmony among them. From the given choices, the electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force, and gravity are the key contributors to this harmony. The electromagnetic force is responsible for holding atoms together and is a combination of electric and magnetic forces. It governs the chemistry of atoms by determining the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus. The strong nuclear force acts over a very short range but is incredibly powerful and ensures the stability of nuclei within atoms, affecting the relative abundance of elements. Lastly, gravity, although the weakest of the fundamental forces on the level of elementary particles, plays a crucial role in binding planets, stars, and galaxies by its long-range influence on massive bodies.
Physicists have attempted to unify these forces through concepts such as Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) with some success, especially under conditions of high density and temperature, where the electromagnetic and weak nuclear forces blend into a single electroweak force. However, further unification, especially including gravity, remains a challenge due to its unique properties affecting space and time.