Can an Antiproton Replace an Electron in a Heavy Atom and Create a Stable Atom?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the theoretical possibility of replacing an electron in a heavy atom, such as uranium, with an antiproton and whether this could result in a stable atom. The scope includes conceptual considerations and implications of particle interactions within atomic structures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that replacing an electron with an antiproton could lead to instability due to the mass difference and the nature of the wavefunctions involved.
  • Others argue that the antiproton would likely annihilate with protons in the nucleus, contributing to instability.
  • One participant mentions that while electrons can be replaced with muons to form metastable atoms, the situation with antiprotons is different due to their interactions with protons.
  • A later reply notes that while an antiproton would be unstable in a heavy atom, an antiproton bound to an antielectron (forming antihydrogen) is considered stable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that replacing an electron with an antiproton would likely result in instability, but there is no consensus on the specifics of the interactions or the implications for atomic stability.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions about particle interactions, the dependence on definitions of stability, and the unresolved nature of the wavefunction behavior in this context.

Antiphon
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Is it possible to replace one of the electrons in a heavy atom like uranium with an Antiproton and form a stable atom?
 
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I'm pretty sure that would be highly unstable.
 
I also think it would be unstable. In the S state the orbital overlaps with the nucleus. Electrons have been replace with muons to form metastable atoms.
 
Antiphon said:
Is it possible to replace one of the electrons in a heavy atom like uranium with an Antiproton and form a stable atom?

Don't forget that protons are much heavier then electrons, so from a mass perspective, the wavefunctions would be completely different. But also, antiprotons would annihilate the first protons they came across, including in the nuclei, and even stable wavefunction states overlap with the nucleus, which is what M Quack is getting at. An antiproton bound to an antielectron (antihydrogen) is stable.
 

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