One atom in space what happens

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a single atom in the vacuum of space, specifically its stability and quantum states in the absence of heat or energy. It is established that an atom can exist in its ground state indefinitely if not disturbed by external forces such as light or collisions with other atoms. If the atom is not in its ground state, it will emit photons until it reaches this stable state. The concept of approaching absolute zero asymptotically is also highlighted, emphasizing that without external energy, the atom's temperature remains effectively constant.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and atomic structure
  • Familiarity with concepts of ground state and excited states of atoms
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics, particularly absolute zero
  • Basic principles of photon emission and absorption
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Quantom
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This question is something that's been bothering me for a long time, there has to be a probability in this universe where a single atom is/was floating in space alone without any light exciting it. Clearly there is no heat here, so does the atom approach absolute zero asymptotically? My question is what would happen to an atom and its quantum states if there was no heat or energy being supplied to it. Would eventually the quantum states breakdown or is an atom stable without bouncing off other atoms or receiving light?
 
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If it is in its ground state, it would just stay in that state forever. If not, it would emit photons until it was in its ground state, and then stay in that state forever.
 
i thought that was the case, thank you for clearing that up.
 

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