Unifying the Strong Force, Mass, and Gravity through Space-Time Curvature

Abstract: In this paper, we explore a new theory that proposes the strong nuclear force as the origin of space-time curvature, leading to the emergence of mass and gravity. This perspective challenges conventional understanding by suggesting that what we perceive as mass and gravity are different manifestations of the same underlying phenomenon: the warping of space-time around atomic nuclei due to the strong force. We propose that this warping extends weakly beyond the atom, resulting in the gravitational field observed at larger scales. By linking quantum and relativistic phenomena through space-time curvature, this theory offers a potential unification of two of the fundamental forces.

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1. Introduction

Mass and gravity have long been understood as fundamental aspects of the physical world, with general relativity describing gravity as the curvature of space-time around massive objects. Meanwhile, the strong force binds protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus, operating over extremely small distances but exerting immense power. These two concepts, mass and gravity on one side and the strong force on the other, have traditionally been seen as separate, governed by different physical principles.

In this paper, we propose a radical new idea: that mass and gravity are not intrinsic properties of matter but are instead emergent phenomena caused by the strong force warping space-time at quantum scales. This warping creates both the illusion of mass and the long-range force we perceive as gravity.

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2. The Strong Force and Space-Time Curvature

The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding atomic nuclei together, counteracting the immense repulsive forces between positively charged protons. Current models explain the strong force in terms of quantum chromodynamics, where particles exchange gluons to stay bound. However, this model does not address the relationship between the strong force and space-time curvature, a key concept in general relativity.

We propose that the strong force does more than just hold nuclei together; it also warps space-time around the nucleus. This warping becomes especially intense at the center of the nucleus, potentially approaching the kind of extreme curvature associated with black holes. However, unlike gravity, which weakens slowly over distance, the warping caused by the strong force falls off much more rapidly, consistent with the strong force's short range.

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3. The Emergence of Mass and Gravity

In this framework, mass is a direct result of the strong force curving space-time around the nucleus. The warping of space-time near the nucleus gives rise to what we perceive as the inertial property of mass. As space-time curvature extends outward from the nucleus, albeit very weakly, it manifests as the gravitational force we observe at macroscopic scales.

This theory suggests that gravity is not a separate force but a distant, diluted effect of space-time curvature initially caused by the strong force. This would explain the relative weakness of gravity compared to the strong force: gravity is simply the residual curvature leaking out from atomic nuclei into the larger universe.

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4. Space-Time Curvature at Atomic Scales

We calculated the space-time curvature at the distance of the first electron shell for hydrogen, deuterium, and gold atoms. These calculations revealed that the curvature at atomic scales is far stronger than traditionally considered. For example:

• Hydrogen nucleus curvature at the Bohr radius:
  • Approx. $7.86 \times 10^{-24} \, \text{m}^{-2}$
• Deuterium nucleus curvature at the same radius:
  • Approx. $3.37 \times 10^{-23} \, \text{m}^{-2}$
• Gold nucleus curvature at inner shell:
  • Approx. $4.37 \times 10^{-12} \, \text{m}^{-2}$

These calculations show a significant curvature near atomic nuclei, with variations depending on the nucleus’s mass and size. As we approach the nucleus, space-time curvature increases drastically, which may explain why atomic structures behave as they do—electron orbits, for example, could be influenced by the intense curvature near the nucleus.

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5. A Unified View of Fundamental Forces

This theory provides a potential unification of the strong force, mass, and gravity:

• Strong Force: The warping of space-time at quantum scales binds protons and neutrons.
• Mass: The warping gives rise to mass, which is the resistance to acceleration in curved space-time.
• Gravity: The residual curvature extending from the nucleus manifests as the gravitational force we observe on larger scales.

This unified view also offers an explanation for the weakness of gravity: gravity is a long-range, diluted effect of the strong force’s space-time warping, whereas the strong force acts over incredibly short distances and produces much more intense local curvature.

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6. Implications and Further Questions

This theory raises several intriguing questions and possibilities for future exploration:

1. Quantum and Relativistic Unification: If mass and gravity are both effects of space-time curvature caused by the strong force, this could offer a bridge between quantum mechanics and general relativity. The strong force’s local curvature at the quantum level could be the missing link that unites these two realms of physics.

2. Black Hole Connection: If the strong force warps space-time to extreme degrees near the nucleus, does this suggest that black hole formation might involve a similar mechanism? Could the strong force play a role in preventing collapse at the quantum level?

3. Experimental Validation: How could this theory be tested experimentally? Would more precise measurements of space-time curvature at atomic scales provide support for the idea that gravity is a residual effect of the strong force?

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7. Conclusion

By following the warping of space-time back to its source in atomic nuclei, we have uncovered a new perspective on the origins of mass and gravity. This theory suggests that mass and gravity are not fundamental properties of matter but emergent phenomena resulting from the strong force’s warping of space-time. The implications of this idea, if validated, could transform our understanding of the universe and the fundamental forces that govern it.

This concept challenges the traditional boundaries of physics and opens up new avenues for unifying quantum mechanics with general relativity, potentially bringing us closer to a "theory of everything."