Newton's third law and attraction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Newton's third law of motion to the forces involved in atomic and orbital systems, specifically focusing on the attraction between an electron and a proton in a hydrogen atom, as well as the forces acting on a satellite in orbit.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks whether the force of attraction between an electron and a proton in a hydrogen atom exemplifies Newton's third law.
  • Another participant agrees that it does apply.
  • A participant questions if this force is analogous to the centripetal force acting on a satellite and its weight.
  • It is noted that while the principle of action and reaction applies, electron motion in a hydrogen atom must be quantized, suggesting classical mechanics may not fully describe the situation.
  • One participant argues that the concept of force becomes less relevant at the atomic scale.
  • Clarification is provided that the centripetal force keeping a satellite in orbit is indeed its weight, and the corresponding action-reaction pair involves the satellite pulling on the Earth.
  • It is stated that the principle of action and reaction does not apply to fictitious forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of Newton's third law at atomic scales and the relevance of force concepts in such contexts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent to which classical mechanics can be applied to atomic interactions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the applicability of classical mechanics to quantum systems, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of fictitious forces in this context.

Tulatalu
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Is the force of attraction between an electron and a proton in a hydrogen atom a example of action and reaction to which Newton's 3rd law applies?
 
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Yes it is.
 
Tks. :D Is it the same as the centripetal force keeping a satellite in orbit and its weight?
 
Principle action=reaction always applies. Electron motion (orbits) in a hydrogen atom must be quantized however. Classical mechanics isn't enough
 
I would say the concept of force is a bit moot at this scale.
 
Tulatalu said:
Tks. :D Is it the same as the centripetal force keeping a satellite in orbit and its weight?

The centripetal force keeping a satellite in orbit is its weight. The third law partner of this is the force with which the satellite pulls on the earth, keeping the Earth in its orbit about the satellite.
 
zoki85 said:
Principle action=reaction always applies.

It doesn't apply to fictitious forces.
 

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