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OK, Andy. You found a way to get me out of my "sabbatical" with relativity stuff. Clarify distinction between gravity ''per se'' and GR. Also, see talk.
Field theoretical calculations become increasingly difficult as the number of (incoming or outgoing) particles increases; for very large numbers of particles (e.g. macroscopic liquids and solids), the methods of [[Solid State Physics]] (also based on QM) are employed instead.
Field theoretical calculations become increasingly difficult as the number of (incoming or outgoing) particles increases; for very large numbers of particles (e.g. macroscopic liquids and solids), the methods of [[Solid State Physics]] (also based on QM) are employed instead.
The most naive application of Quantum Field Theory to [[General Relativity]] is known to be unworkable. This has led to attempts at alternative formulations to reconcile Field Theory and GR. In contrast to the other three forces of nature (electromagnetic, weak nuclear, strong nuclear), which have extensive and impressive experimental confirmation<ref>Chris Quigg. <i>Gauge Theories of the Strong, Weak, and Electromagnetic Interactions</i>; Benjamin/Cummings Co. (1983).</ref>, no alternative formulations of quantum gravity have experimental confirmation. Quantum Field Theory has tried to build in [[Special Relativity]] as an intrinsic part of the theory.<ref>Bjorken and Drell. <i>Quantum Field Theory</i> Chapter 2; McGraw Hill Inc. (1980)</ref>
The most naive application of Quantum Field Theory to any theory of gravity is known to be unworkable. This is in contrast to the other three forces of nature (electromagnetic, weak nuclear, strong nuclear), which have extensive and impressive experimental confirmation<ref>Chris Quigg. <i>Gauge Theories of the Strong, Weak, and Electromagnetic Interactions</i>; Benjamin/Cummings Co. (1983).</ref>. No alternative formulations of quantum gravity have experimental confirmation. While [[Special Relativity]] is an intrinsic part of quantum field theory, the prevailing theory of gravity (the curvature of spacetime under [[General Relativity]]) has not been reconciled. Integrating this fourth force of nature into quantum field theory is an extremely active area of theoretical research. Current research in the field involves such things as [[supersymmetry]] and [[string theory]]
== The Forces of Nature ==
== The Forces of Nature ==