Do electrons lose mass due to revolving around nucleon?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential loss of mass for nucleons and electrons as a result of the energies they exert in a static state. It is explained that forces do not work in a way that would result in energy loss, and bound electrons do not lose mass. However, the concept of zero-point vibrational energy is taken into account when calculating the total energy of a molecule. The conversation also touches on the potential violation of energy conservation when an electron and proton come together, but it is clarified that the electron does not lose energy when bound to a nucleon. Instead, it loses energy in the form of a UV photon when it falls into the bound ground state.
  • #1
h20 bear
5
0
Does the nucleon and electron lose mass as a result of the energies they exert in a static state.
The electron constantly uses the electromagnetic force to keep it attracted to the nucleon causing it to revolve around the nucleon. So does it lose mass?

Similarly, does the nucleon lose mass through its use of the nuclear/electromagnetic forces?

Are quantum vibrations of the atoms calculated in it's energy balance?
 
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  • #2
Forces don't work that way; it doesn't 'cost' energy to exert a force. Bound electrons don't lose mass. (Actually, they gain relativistic mass due to increased momentum)

Yes, zero-point vibrational energy is taken into account when calculating the total energy of a molecule.
 
  • #3
This confuses me in regards to Thermodynamics. If an electron and proton are separate and they eventually float together. The electron experiences an increase in speed and thus relativistic mass, won't this be a violation of energy conservation? Where is the loss?
 
  • #4
No, the electron does not radiate any energy when it is bound to a nucleon, but the electron loses energy in the form of radiating energy (a 912 Angstrom UV photon) when it falls into the bound ground state. For example, the electron and proton masses (times c2) are about 511 keV and 938 MeV respectively, but when the electron is bound to the proton in a hydrogen atom, the mass of the atom is about 13.6 eV lower than the sum of the electron and proton masses.

See

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyman_series

Bob S
 

1. Do electrons actually lose mass while revolving around the nucleon?

Yes, in a sense, electrons do lose mass while revolving around the nucleon. However, this loss of mass is not due to the actual movement of the electron, but rather due to the conversion of mass into energy according to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2. The energy of the electron's movement contributes to its total mass, making it appear as though it has lost mass.

2. How does the electron's movement contribute to its mass?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the energy of a moving object contributes to its total mass. This energy includes the kinetic energy of the electron's movement as well as the potential energy of its position in the electric field of the nucleon.

3. Does this mean that the mass of an electron is constantly changing?

No, the mass of an electron remains constant. The perceived loss of mass is due to the conversion of mass into energy and vice versa. This conversion is a fundamental principle of physics and is described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2.

4. Is this loss of mass significant in terms of the electron's overall mass?

In general, the mass lost by an electron while revolving around the nucleon is very small and does not significantly change its overall mass. However, in certain high-energy situations, such as in particle accelerators, this mass-energy equivalence becomes important and must be taken into consideration.

5. Can this principle be applied to other particles besides electrons?

Yes, this principle of mass-energy equivalence applies to all particles, not just electrons. It is a fundamental principle of physics that describes the relationship between mass and energy.

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