These virtual particles that communicate the existence of the fields are called gauge bosons. The photon, gluon, W (+ and -) and Z are the gauge bosons of the electromagnetic, strong and weak forces respectively. The graviton is the theoretical gauge boson of the gravitational force, but it has not been found experimentally.
Think they'll ever have the energy to drive a collision large enough to find the graviton. Although, if they're correct in surmising that most of gravity's strength bleeds off into high dimensions, the may detect something if they manage to experimentally prove the existence of these higher dimensions.
They're at the starting gate....LHC is bouncing around a bit in the stalls, as Tevatron quietly sits, waiting for the starter's gun.....and they're off!!!....racing. And Tevatron has taken a slight lead at the 50 metre mark whilst LHC just gets a few things readjusted. Tevatron seems to be making easier of the early going as LHC winds herself up for a big run at the 250 mark. It seems LHC is rapidly hauling in Tevatron at the 400 and this looks like the race might be over before it's even begun....wait a minute. Looks like LHC's jockey is having trouble with the riding gear. Might be a broken strap....seems things have calmed down a bit and LHC is now neck and neck with Tevatron. Approaching the 1100metre mark and LHC is now starting to pull away from Tevatron. This might yet just be a one horse race as they go through the 1400. Oh no, trouble....looks like LHC might have done a ligament in the right forlock. This will be a tragedy if LHC can't continue with the race. Tevatron's jockey is looking back and laughing at LHC's troubles. He thinks he has the race in the bag....well, if the trackside mobile doctor's can fix LHC's problem, then I don't see how Tevatron can win this race. LHC is too powerful a stayer and has the wins on record to take this race.....stay tuned, this race isn't over yet. Not by a long shot!!!!
Jay-qu I find your posts very interesting and well presented and I personaly thank you for your wonderful input...
You said........
Each of these interacts via the exchange of virtual particles, particles seem to have mass because they are interacting with this Higgs field that exists everywhere.
I am very interested in this aspect.
I gather that quantum physics suggests gravity may be communicated via this exchange of particles.
Can you tell me or point me in the right direction to expalin how these particles interact and what interests me mostly..does something send out a virtual particle ..and when it meets something else that a message (in effect comes back so the relationship between the two can be set?
Say in gravity... does the Earth send out virtual particles and the Moon ..for example..picks up such a virtual particle and then sends back another particle to the Earth to let it know where it is its mass etc.
OR is the "message" one way?
alex
