Question

The electromagnetic force is the force for electrically charged particles. The weak force is mediated by gluons which hold together quarks and involve QCD interactions. Gravity is still a mystery but its effects are quite clear in everyday life. What then, in a conceptual explanation, does the weak force do? Is it only involved in beta decay? If so, why is beta decay so important?

Answer 1

Indeed, the weak force is involved in beta deacy. Beta decay is important as it permits a nucleus to give up excess energy to become more stable. However, the weak interaction is the only mechanism that permits the changing of quark flavours, as well as permitting the breaking of parity and CP symmetry. The most important aspect of the weak force (at least for us as humans) is that it initiates hydrogen fusion within the sun.