Comparing sizes of atoms of an apple the size of the Earth

In summary, the statement mentions that if an apple is magnified to the size of the earth, then the atoms in the apple are approximately the size of the original apple. This is based on a rough calculation of the order of magnitude, taking into account the average radius of the Earth and the empirical radii of hydrogen and carbon atoms in the apple. The reason why the atoms are only approximately the same size as the original apple is due to the significant difference in size between the two types of atoms.
  • #1
h_hin
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it saids“if an apple is magnified to the size of the earth, then the atoms in the apple are approximately the size the size of the original apple”
then why the atoms in the apple are "approximately" the size the size of the original apple, but not equal?
 
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  • #2
This statement is based on an order of magnitude calculation just to give you an idea of the scale involved.
Do the calculation and you will see why it is approximate. Questions to consider:
What is the radius of the Earth? The Earth is not spherical so you have to consider an average.
What is the radius of an atom in the apple? A hydrogen atom in the apple has an empirical radius of 25 pm while a carbon atom has an empirical radius of 70 pm, almost three times larger.
 
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1. How do the sizes of atoms in an apple compare to those in the Earth?

The sizes of atoms in an apple and the Earth cannot be directly compared as they are completely different scales. However, we can compare the relative sizes of the atoms within each object.

2. Are the atoms in an apple the same size as those in the Earth?

No, the atoms in an apple and the Earth are not the same size. Atoms can vary in size depending on the element they make up and their arrangement within the object.

3. How does the size of an atom affect the overall size of an object?

The size of an atom does not significantly affect the overall size of an object. The atoms are incredibly small compared to the overall size of an object and their size is determined by the elements that make up the object.

4. Can we see the individual atoms in an apple the size of the Earth?

No, we cannot see individual atoms with the naked eye. They are too small to be seen even with the most powerful microscope.

5. Is it possible to compare the sizes of atoms in different objects?

Yes, we can compare the relative sizes of atoms in different objects. However, it is important to keep in mind that the overall size of an object does not determine the size of its atoms.

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