Electrons move faster than the speed of light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of electrons in relation to their position relative to the nucleus and the implications for their speed, particularly whether they can exceed the speed of light. It touches on concepts from quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the position of an electron is an approximation, suggesting it can be anywhere in the universe, but is more likely to be near the nucleus.
  • Another participant asserts that nothing moves faster than the speed of light, including electrons, and emphasizes that this applies to all objects with mass.
  • A participant questions the validity of the claim that electrons can move faster than light, indicating they have heard otherwise.
  • There is a discussion about the existence of photons in various types of electromagnetic radiation, with one participant asserting that photons exist in all types.
  • A later reply critiques the conversational approach to the topic, suggesting that the discussion has deviated from the original question and should be directed to more appropriate subforums.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the possibility of electrons moving faster than the speed of light, with some asserting that this is not possible while others question the established view. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of electron behavior and the interpretation of quantum mechanics, which may not be fully articulated. There are also references to the limitations of conversational explanations compared to textbook knowledge.

paulo84
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In school, I was taught that the position of an electron relative to the nucleus is only an approximation. It is very likely that the electron will be close to the nucleus and where it is 'expected' to be, but it may in fact be anywhere in the universe.

Is this correct? And does this allow electrons to move faster than the speed of light?
 
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Yes, the electron can be anywhere, but it is more probable to be nearer to the nucleus. As you go farther away from the nucleus the force holding the electron diminishes.

paulo84 said:
And does this allow electrons to move faster than the speed of light?
Nothing moves faster than light or at the speed of light. This applies to all objects with mass, including electrons. Electromagnetic radiation, on the other hand is transmitted through photons (massless) which goes at the speed of light since it is light.
 
lekh2003 said:
Nothing moves faster than light or at the speed of light.

Not what I heard?
 
paulo84 said:
Not what I heard?
You heard wrong.
 
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lekh2003 said:
Yes, the electron can be anywhere, but it is more probable to be nearer to the nucleus. As you go farther away from the nucleus the force holding the electron diminishes.Nothing moves faster than light or at the speed of light. This applies to all objects with mass, including electrons. Electromagnetic radiation, on the other hand is transmitted through photons (massless) which goes at the speed of light since it is light.

Forgive me lekh I just prefer conversation to a textbook. Do photons exist in all types of EM radiation, or only light?
 
paulo84 said:
Forgive me lekh I just prefer conversation to a textbook. Do photons exist in all types of EM radiation, or only light?
If I'm right, photons exist in all types.
 
paulo84 said:
Forgive me lekh I just prefer conversation to a textbook. Do photons exist in all types of EM radiation, or only light?

"Conversation" is not as accurate as "textbook". Do you prefer accuracy, or hearsay?

Your question is about electron in an atom. Unfortunately, it has now deviated into a topic that should be asked in the physics subforums. You should either browse through all the topics already on this subject, or ask a brand new question in the relevant forum. This particular subject has been asked ad nauseum. So please do a bit of browsing/search on here.

Zz.
 

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