Question

How do fundamental forces affect matter?

Answer 1

Hint: Fundamental forces are those forces which are most basic types of forces. They cannot be divided into more basic units. Each force has different properties, all forces accept electromagnetic forces that are attractive in nature, while electromagnetic is both attractive and repulsive.

Complete answer:
Fundamental forces are the most basic forces that exist and cannot be broken down to more basic interactions.
The four fundamental forces are- Gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear forces and weak nuclear forces.
Gravitational force is always attractive in nature and is one of the weakest forces. The greatest effect of gravitation seen matter is the gravitational force of the Earth which keeps us bound to the ground and helps us in navigating effectively.
Electromagnetic forces are fairly strong forces and are both attractive and repulsive in nature. The most important effect of electromagnetic force on matter is the interaction of charged particles. Also the electrons are bound to the nucleus due to the electromagnetic force between the electrons and nucleus.
Strong nuclear forces are very strong forces and exist within the nucleus. It is due to these forces that the nucleus binds the nucleons together and remains stable.
Weak nuclear forces are forces which exist in a nucleus. Since, these forces are weak, they are unable to hold the nucleus together and hence the nucleus undergoes radioactive decay. So, the weak nuclear forces are responsible for radioactivity.
Therefore, all fundamental forces have important effects on matter. Gravitational force of the Earth keeps us glued to the Earth’s surface. Electromagnetic forces are responsible for the stability of atom, weak and strong nuclear forces are responsible for nuclear phenomenon

Note:
The force is vector quantity. All the fundamental forces are conservative forces, i.e. they only depend on the initial and final state and not on the path taken. The nucleons are the particles which make up the nucleus like protons, neutrons etc.