Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the analogy of comparing atomic structures, specifically the nucleus and electrons, to celestial bodies such as the sun and planets. Participants examine the validity and implications of such analogies in the context of physics and the nature of particles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the nucleus can be likened to the sun and electrons to planets, proposing a broader analogy involving galaxies and larger structures.
  • Another participant argues that the phenomena being compared are fundamentally different, implying that the analogy may not hold.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the potential misleading nature of analogies, particularly when the phenomena are not well understood, cautioning against oversimplification.
  • Reference is made to the historical context of the planetary model of the hydrogen atom, noting its age but also questioning its correctness.
  • One participant warns against the analogy due to the complexities introduced by phenomena such as the Titius-Bode intervals and the irregularities in the orbits of outer planets.
  • Another point raised mentions the electron ionization process, suggesting it complicates the comparison further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the analogy, with no consensus reached. Some argue against the analogy while others propose it, indicating a contested discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the analogy, including the complexity of electron behavior and the historical context of atomic models, as well as the implications of various physical phenomena that challenge the comparison.

dexterdev
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Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets......

Hi all,
Can we give an analogy for nucleus to sun and electrons to planets......
like this in several galaxies... and galaxies together form some other material in larger scale.

Also can we say wave nature of particle as movement of electron or planets which are revolving around the sun or nucleus ie along with another motion in some direction.

-Devanand T
 
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No, the phenomena are completely different from each other.
 


In my experience trying to make analogies for phenomenon one is not an expert in is extremely misleading because the whole point of analogies is to explain something not understood by comparing it to something that is.

Unfortunately there are a lot of crackpots out there who think they've discovered/understood something epic about the universe because they've made an analogy to something as simple as water draining down a sink...
 


Googling for "planetary model of hydrogen atom" you will find this idea (although taken in the reverse direction) will be 100 years old next year.

Age doesn't make it correct though.
 


Don't go there: The analogy had some credence while planets' orbits were thought to fall on Titius-Bode intervals. The outer planets quashed that, and the dwarf planets' orbits are a zoo.

Beware a pseudo-scientific but superficially plausible 'Theory of Everything' doing the rounds which is, IIRC, based on nested vortices...

It conveniently overlooks stuff like elliptical galaxies...
 


There is also the electron ionization process which makes comparison impossible.
 

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