The Four Fundamental Forces of Particle Physics

All interactions in the universe are governed by just four fundamental forces.
The strong nuclear force binds quarks together and holds atomic nuclei intact.
The weak nuclear force drives radioactive decay and fuels nuclear fusion in stars.
Electromagnetism controls electricity, magnetism, and light, shaping chemistry and technology.
Gravity pulls masses together, shaping planets, stars, and galaxies.
The strong force is the most powerful, while gravity is the weakest.
Each force is carried by a particle: gluons (strong), W/Z bosons (weak), photons (electromagnetism), and gravitons (hypothetical, for gravity).
Electromagnetism and the weak force unify under the electroweak theory.
Gravity remains the outlier—not yet unified with the other three forces.
These four forces together govern every interaction in the cosmos, from atoms to galaxies.