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What is the weak nuclear force? (hexbear.net)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I think it's kinda interesting that there's a whole universal force that kinda goes uncommented upon in popular physics. I also don't know anything about the strong nuclear force, but I heard someone say once that it's actually just electromagnetism on a small scale? If there was, like, a good documentary that centers the history and experiments that lead researchers to conclude the existence of these things, that would be helpful. Being able to situate research in historical context really goes a long way to getting my head around a concept.

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 10 months ago

I don't have a physics degree, but I studied STEM. It has an effect mostly only on protons and neutrons. If there's an imbalance of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, there's a chance a proton can change to a neutron or visa versa. This particle often gets kicked out of the nucleus, runs around, and is what's called beta radiation. This is why certain isotopes are radioactive, and why radon and uranium make geiger counters tick.

If a physics person comes in and corrects me, I'm sorry in advance.