Nature of the force between 2 protons when sharing an electron.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of the force between two protons when they share an electron, exploring concepts related to electromagnetic interactions and potential alternative interpretations. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding fundamental forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a lecture by Susskind discussing the attractive force between two protons due to electron sharing and tunneling, questioning the nature of this force in relation to fundamental forces.
  • Another participant suggests that the force is called "proton-motive force."
  • A different participant asserts that the only relevant force is the electromagnetic force, explaining that the attraction of the negatively charged electron to both protons can overcome their mutual electric repulsion.
  • A later reply reiterates the explanation of the electromagnetic force as the key factor in binding the protons through electron sharing, indicating a sense of understanding after the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the force involved, with some proposing alternative names and others focusing on the electromagnetic force as the primary explanation. No consensus is reached regarding the classification of the force.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the terminology used for the force and its classification among the fundamental forces, as well as the implications of electron tunneling in this context.

FredericGos
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Hi :)

In this lecture (), susskind talks about attractive the force between two protons due to them sharing an electron and tunelling etc. He also describes how the electromagnetic force overwhelms this force when the protons are far apart.

What is the name of this force? And why do I keep thinking that it's none of the fundamental forces?
So what's the nature for this force in terms of the 4? Or what? :)

/Frederic
 
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Proton-motive force, I believe is the name.
 
I haven't watched the lecture, but the only relevant force is the electromagnetic force. Two protons can be bound together by sharing an electron because the negatively charged electron spends a lot of time in between the two positively charged protons. Each proton is (electrically) attracted to the electron, and this overcomes the electric repulsion between the two positively charged protons.
 
The_Duck said:
I haven't watched the lecture, but the only relevant force is the electromagnetic force. Two protons can be bound together by sharing an electron because the negatively charged electron spends a lot of time in between the two positively charged protons. Each proton is (electrically) attracted to the electron, and this overcomes the electric repulsion between the two positively charged protons.

Ok thanks :) Makes sense now.
 

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