Energy conservation of electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conservation of energy in electrons and their motion, particularly in the context of atomic structure and quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of electrons stopping and the nature of their movement as waves rather than particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why electrons do not stop moving if they conserve energy, suggesting that stopping would require energy.
  • There is a suggestion that if electrons were to stop, they might fall down together with protons, raising questions about the nature of their movement.
  • One participant emphasizes that the concept of electrons "moving" in atomic orbitals is outdated and encourages a clearer framing of questions.
  • Another participant notes that electrons are described as waves in modern physics and questions what it means for these waves to "fall down." They suggest that the scenario of electrons falling into the nucleus is not well-defined in current physics.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of a clear description of the situation being asked about, indicating that the question may not align with established physical principles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of electron movement and the implications of energy conservation, with no consensus reached on the questions posed regarding electrons stopping or falling.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the framing of questions and the assumptions underlying the concepts of electron behavior, particularly in relation to quantum mechanics and atomic structure.

yyouth24
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If electrons conserve energy, why they don't stop to move? Thanks.
 
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yyouth24 said:
If electrons conserve energy, why they don't stop to move? Thanks.

Because stopping electrons require energy.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Because stopping electrons require energy.

Zz.
And what will happen if the electrons stop? Will they fall down together with the protons?
 
yyouth24 said:
And what will happen if the electrons stop? Will they fall down together with the protons?

May I suggest that next time, you frame your question as clearly and in the fullest manner as possible. You'll notice that in your original question, you mention NOTHING about any protons, or the scenario that you are referring to. None of us here are able to guess what you have in mind.

Electrons in an atom doesn't stop moving, because the idea of electron "moving" in an atomic orbital is old school. Please read the FAQ in the General Physics forum for more on this.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
May I suggest that next time, you frame your question as clearly and in the fullest manner as possible. You'll notice that in your original question, you mention NOTHING about any protons, or the scenario that you are referring to. None of us here are able to guess what you have in mind.

Electrons in an atom doesn't stop moving, because the idea of electron "moving" in an atomic orbital is old school. Please read the FAQ in the General Physics forum for more on this.

Zz.
I know that the electrons by the modern physics are waves, but what will happen if those waves fall down?
 
what do you mean by a wave "falling down"? Where?
 
yyouth24 said:
I know that the electrons by the modern physics are waves, but what will happen if those waves fall down?

I suppose instead of electrons "falling" into the nucleus, we could always just bombard the nucleus with electrons. But I don't think that's what you are asking about.

Keep in mind these electrons don't have a localized, well defined position around the nucleus.

Anyway, I know you asked Zapper this question, so I'll let him answer it. But, my opinion is that I'm not sure anyone can answer your question because it is asking for an answer to a situation that isn't described by current physics. We can calculate an electron's energy levels in a potential well using quantum mechanics, for example; but the electron in your atom has some energy, and if its energy ends up "falling" all the way (emits an integer times plack's constant quantum of energy), it "falls" into the ground state and not any more.

Maybe you'll want to rephrase your question if you understood what I said?
 

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