Is it true that objects cannot touch each other?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of objects touching each other and the role of electromagnetic forces in this process. The video sent by one participant explains that the everyday definition of contact cannot be applied to microscopic objects and that there is a more precise definition used in physics. The conversation also delves into the implications of this concept and how it relates to the teaching of physics. The thread is then locked due to the banning of the original poster.
  • #1
buket80
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Some scientists say that objects do not actually touch each other since the electrons repel each other. And here is a video where a physics Professor (Philip Moriarty) explains the touching process between objects as the contact point where the attracting and repelling forces reach an equilibrium :



What is your opinion about it?
 
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  • #2
If there wasn't a thing like electromagnetic forces, we would likely fall into Earth since most of matter is simply empty space.
 
  • #3
Actually there would be no Earth to fall thru. Plasma perhaps?
 
  • #4
Sure, you get into all kinds of questions about "what is a particle", "what is touching", "what is the volume of a particle", etc. Many of these questions can take on a philosophical element.

Generally, fundamental particles - such as an electron - are considered as points without any internal structure. When considered in that manner, they have no volume. For all practical purposes, they could never interact by virtue of occupying the same space. However, particles manifest field effects. Those account for the impression of a particle having a size, and being able to interact with other particles.
 
  • #5
houlahound said:
Actually there would be no Earth to fall thru. Plasma perhaps?
Yes. And at the end of those thoughts there won't be much left of our universe as we know it. IMO @DrChinese has said everything that can be said about it.
 
  • #6
Any opinion about the video I sent?
 
  • #7
buket80 said:
Any opinion about the video I sent?
The video makes valid points. Both Moriarty's and Brady's (i.e., the man behind the camera) imputs are important here.
I'd summarize it as follows:
1. The everyday definition of contact, as vague as it is, can be thought of as: 'I can't put anything in-between two touching objects', or maybe something like 'solids are making continuous whole'
2. This definition can't be applied to microscopic objects even in principle.
3. There is a very precise definition of contact used in physics.
4. Whenever you hear 'there's no contact, it's actually repulsion', it is meant to convey that the first definition can't be applied to microscopic scales and the actual interaction is similar to that of e.g. magnets repelling.
5. But you should keep in mind that it's just a rough analogy, intended for the very narrow goal specified above, and the actual interactions are more complicated. I'd compare it to the case of teaching people about the Bohr's model of an atom: it's patently wrong, and if one's serious about physics, it needs to be unlearned at some point. However, if you don't know anything about how atoms are made, it's a nice, handy, easy to digest visualisation that conveys some valid points.
 
  • #8
What does interaction of electromagnetic forces mean? What is exactly meant by interaction here?
 
  • #9
What exactly is meant by interaction of electromagnetic forces? What happens during this process?
 
  • #10
The OP has been banned for previous offenses under another username. This thread will be locked since they can no longer reply. Any members with questions regarding this topic are encouraged to make a new thread.

Thread locked.
 

1. Is it true that objects cannot touch each other?

It is a common misconception that objects cannot touch each other. In reality, when two objects come into contact, their atoms and molecules are interacting with each other, creating a force called "electrostatic force". This force allows objects to touch and interact with each other.

2. Why do we feel like objects cannot touch each other?

Our sense of touch is limited to the sensation of pressure on our skin. When two objects come into contact, their atoms and molecules repel each other, creating a feeling of pressure. This can give the illusion that objects are not touching, but they are actually interacting at the atomic level.

3. Can objects really pass through each other?

No, objects cannot pass through each other. Even though there are tiny spaces between atoms and molecules, they are still connected by the electrostatic force. This force is strong enough to prevent objects from passing through each other.

4. Are there any exceptions to the rule that objects cannot touch each other?

There are some cases where objects can seemingly pass through each other, such as in quantum mechanics. However, this is not actually the case. In these situations, it is not the objects themselves that are interacting, but rather their wave functions.

5. Can objects touch each other in a vacuum?

Yes, objects can touch each other in a vacuum. The absence of air or other matter does not affect the interaction between atoms and molecules. As long as the objects have mass and are close enough to each other, they will experience the electrostatic force and touch each other.

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