What is Fifth Force of Nature? See how was it discovered and more

Scientists at the Fermilab situated near Chicago have claimed to have discovered a new force or the fifth force of nature. If proven, this may be the beginning of a new revolution in physics and could prove to be the most significant discovery after Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

What is the Fifth Force of Nature?

The entire universe is governed by four forces- gravity, electromagnetism, the weak force, and the strong force. Now, scientists claim to have found a new force or the fifth force.

How was the Fifth Force of Nature discovered?

In an experiment called ‘g-2’ or ‘g minus 2’ at Fermilab, the researchers accelerated sub-atomic particles called muons through a 50-meter diameter ring and circulated these particles 1,000 times at near light speed and found that these particles did not behave the way they should. Their behaviour cannot be explained by the current theory called the Standard Model because these particles were under the influence of a new force.

Under the Influence of the Fifth Force of Nature

Muons are electron-like sub-atomic particles that orbit atoms, but they are 200 times bigger. In the experiment, they were made to wobble using superconducting magnets. But they wobbled faster than predicted by the Standard Model. This might be caused by a new force or the fifth force.

Experimental proof of Fifth Force of Nature

The scientists at Europe’s Large Hydron Collider are also trying to find flaws in the Standard Model. Dr. Mitesh Patel from Imperial College London is one of those thousands of scientists who are working at the LHC, trying to find experimental results showing the flaws in the Standard Model.

The holy grail of particle physics

He told BBC News that measuring behaviour that does not comply with the Standard Model is the holy grail of particle physics and it may trigger a revolution that may begin a new understanding of physics. He also said that all the experiments have stood with the Standard Model for the last 50 years and if a new experiment behaves differently, it may change the understanding of physics.

FAQs:

What is the fifth force of nature?
All bodies in the universe are governed by four forces of nature- gravity, electromagnetism, the weaker force, and the stronger force. Scientists claim to have found a new force, the fifth force of nature.

How was the fifth force of nature discovered?
In an experiment, the sub-atomic particles called muons were made to wobble in strong superconducting magnets. They wobbled, but they wobbled faster than predicted by the Standard Model. Scientists claim it happened under the influence of a new force.