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How does something become tangible? How many atoms are needed to be

Context: High School
Thread starter harp AP 2010
Start date Nov 29, 2010
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harp AP 2010

Thread starter
Nov 29, 2010

#1

How does something become tangible? How many atoms are needed to be able to see/hold something?

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mathman

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Nov 29, 2010

#2

For comparison you can use Avogadro's number (approx 6*10²³). For example this is number of molecules in 18 grams of water.

Studiot

Nov 29, 2010

#3

Just one atom will do.

Here is an atomic typewriter by IBM

http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/section2_84_14.html

Dr Lots-o'watts

Nov 29, 2010

#4

A hair is roughly half a million carbon atoms wide.

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