Final answer:
Gravity, electromagnetism, strong force, and weak force are the four fundamental forces. Gravity attracts objects with mass towards each other. Electromagnetism controls the interaction between electrically charged particles. The strong force holds protons and neutrons together in atomic nuclei, and the weak force is involved in certain types of radioactive decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four fundamental forces are gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force, and the weak force. Here are some characteristics and effects of each force:
- Gravity: Gravity is the force that attracts objects with mass towards each other. It is responsible for the motion of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. For example, gravity keeps the Earth in orbit around the Sun.
- Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism is the force that controls the interaction between electrically charged particles. It is responsible for the behavior of electrons in atoms and the properties of magnets. For example, the electromagnetic force holds atoms together, allowing for the formation of molecules.
- Strong Force: The strong force is the strongest of the fundamental forces and acts between particles within atomic nuclei. It holds the protons and neutrons together, binding them into a nucleus. Without the strong force, atomic nuclei would not be stable.
- Weak Force: The weak force is responsible for certain types of radioactive decay. It is involved in processes such as beta decay, where a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. The weak force is much weaker than the other fundamental forces, but it plays a crucial role in the behavior of subatomic particles.