Elucidating atomic scale vs. macro scale

In summary, if given a penny for every water molecule in one liter of water, you can make 130,016,267,822,000 stacks of pennies equal to the average distance between Earth and moon. This number may seem unbelievably high, but molecules are incredibly small. Additionally, if the molecules from Julius Caesar's body have been evenly distributed across the earth's surface for 2,000 years, it is estimated that you are stepping on around 1,000 of his molecules with each step.
  • #1
Twodogs
Gold Member
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TL;DR Summary
An answer that seems unbelievable
There are 3.35*10^25 molecules in one liter of water. If we are given a penny for every molecule, how high could you stack the pennies given that a stack of 17 pennies equals one inch?
Or, to further reduce this large number into something more tangible, how many stacks equal to the distance between Earth and moon could on make with these pennies given an average earth/moon separation of 238,855 miles?
So my answer...
If you have a penny for every water molecule in one liter of water, you can make 130,016,267,822,000 stacks of pennies equal to the average distance between Earth and moon.
This number seem unbelievably high. Can it be right? If someone has time to check this, I would appreciate it.
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
That looks about right... molecules really are that small.

Here's another one to consider. Assume for the sake of argument that in the two thousand years or so since Julius Caesar died, the molecules that made up his body have been more or less evenly scattered across the surface of the earth. How many molecules from his body are you stepping on every time you take a step?
 
  • #3
I know the one about the glass of water distributed in the ocean.
Just as a guess, on the order of 1,000 molecules.
 

1. What is the difference between atomic scale and macro scale?

Atomic scale refers to the study of individual atoms and their interactions, while macro scale refers to the study of larger systems and structures made up of many atoms.

2. Why is it important to understand the difference between atomic scale and macro scale?

Understanding the difference between atomic scale and macro scale is crucial in many fields of science, such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. It allows us to better understand the behavior and properties of matter at different scales, and how they influence each other.

3. How do scientists study atomic scale and macro scale?

Scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to study atomic scale and macro scale. These can include microscopy, spectroscopy, and computational simulations.

4. What are some real-world applications of understanding atomic scale and macro scale?

Understanding atomic scale and macro scale has many practical applications, such as in the development of new materials with specific properties, the design of more efficient electronic devices, and the development of new drugs and treatments in medicine.

5. Can atomic scale and macro scale be connected?

Yes, atomic scale and macro scale are interconnected. The properties and behavior of matter at the atomic scale ultimately determine the properties and behavior of larger systems at the macro scale. Understanding one scale can help us understand the other and vice versa.

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