Question

In QFT: If EM fields generate photons (as excitation events) and the HIggs field Higgs bosons, do strong force fields generate gluons, weak force fields w and z bosons and gravitational fields gravitons? What fields generate electrons and quarks?

Answer 1

In the framework of quantum field theory (QFT), particles are understood as excitations or quanta of their respective fields. Each fundamental force is associated with a field and its corresponding force-carrying particles, known as gauge bosons. Let's go through each force and its associated particles:

1. Electromagnetic Force (EM): The electromagnetic force is associated with the electromagnetic field, and its quanta are photons. Photons are massless particles that mediate the interactions between charged particles.

2. Strong Nuclear Force: The strong force is responsible for holding atomic nuclei together. It is associated with the strong nuclear field, and its quanta are gluons. Gluons are massless particles that carry the color charge (the charge associated with the strong force) and mediate the interactions between quarks and gluons themselves.

3. Weak Nuclear Force: The weak force is involved in processes such as radioactive decay. It is associated with the weak nuclear field, and its quanta are the W and Z bosons. The W bosons are charged, while the Z boson is neutral. These bosons mediate weak interactions between particles.

4. Gravitational Force: In the context of classical general relativity, which describes gravity, there is no specific force-carrying particle called a graviton. The current understanding of gravity within the framework of QFT is still an active area of research and remains incomplete. However, it is anticipated that a consistent theory of quantum gravity would involve gravitons as the quanta of the gravitational field.

5. Electrons and Quarks: Electrons are fundamental particles with a negative electric charge. They are not considered force-carrying particles, but rather matter particles. Similarly, quarks are also matter particles and do not carry the forces directly. Electrons are associated with the electron field, while quarks are associated with the quark fields. Interactions involving electrons and quarks are mediated by the gauge bosons mentioned above.

It's important to note that the field descriptions and particle interactions mentioned above are based on our current theoretical understanding, and our knowledge of the fundamental forces and their associated particles continues to evolve as research progresses.