Forces of Nature

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Forces of Nature


The term "forces of nature" refers to the capabilities of the natural world that enable its various members to act on and interact with one another. Naturethe whole system of galaxies, stars, planets, and living things, along with the atoms and molecules of which they are composedis interactive. Each of its parts interacts with its environmentboth near and distantand responds to the various forces acting on it. In current physics, these forces number four: the strong and weak nuclear forces, the electromagnetic force, and the gravitational force. In discussions relating science and religion, there is considerable interest in comparing or contrasting action by the forces of nature with divine action on the natural world.


See also Divine Action; Gravitation; Laws of Nature; Physics, Particle


howard j. van till

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