- #1
a dull boy
- 40
- 1
Dear Physics Forum,
I wanted to know if there is any theory of elementary particles that explains why protons, neutrons, and electrons assemble into atoms? When these particles were first made in the Universe, why do the assemble into atoms? For example, why don't electrons simply bind protons in a 1:1 manner, and let the free neutrons decay? In a experimental preparation of electrons, neutrons, and protons, do they spontaneously assemble into atoms?
Atoms strike me as a somewhat arbitrary and overly complicated preparation of these components...Is there theory on this?
Thanks very much,
Mark
I wanted to know if there is any theory of elementary particles that explains why protons, neutrons, and electrons assemble into atoms? When these particles were first made in the Universe, why do the assemble into atoms? For example, why don't electrons simply bind protons in a 1:1 manner, and let the free neutrons decay? In a experimental preparation of electrons, neutrons, and protons, do they spontaneously assemble into atoms?
Atoms strike me as a somewhat arbitrary and overly complicated preparation of these components...Is there theory on this?
Thanks very much,
Mark