Proton & Electron: Why Don't They Collapse?

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses why electrons do not collapse into protons within an atom, specifically in hydrogen. It clarifies that in the lowest bound state, orbital angular momentum does not play a significant role. The wave function of the electron and proton can overlap, but the absorption of the electron by the proton is energetically impossible due to the mass difference, resulting in a neutron. In contrast, in beryllium-7, a proton can absorb an electron, leading to lithium-7 through a process known as electron capture, which has a half-life of approximately 53 days.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and wave functions
  • Knowledge of atomic structure, specifically hydrogen and beryllium-7
  • Familiarity with concepts of beta decay and electron capture
  • Basic grasp of particle physics, including protons, neutrons, and electrons
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum mechanics principles related to wave functions and atomic orbitals
  • Study the process of electron capture in detail, particularly in beryllium-7
  • Explore the implications of mass-energy equivalence in particle interactions
  • Investigate the differences between stable and unstable isotopes in nuclear physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on atomic and particle physics, as well as anyone interested in nuclear decay processes.

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why the electrons don't collapase into the proton-center of the atom? is it centrifugal force?
thanks
 
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In the lowest bound state of an electron in hydrogen (proton), orbital angular momentum (centrifugal force) is not a concern. There is a very very small but non-zero probability that the wave function of the electron and the proton do overlap. But it is energetically impossible for the proton to absorb the electron, because the final state would be a neutron, which is about 1.3 MeV heavier than the proton.

But in beryllium-7 (4 protons plus 3 neutrons), a proton in the nucleus can absorb an orbital electron and the atom becomes lithium-7 (3 protons plus 4 neutrons), because it is energetically possible. This is a form of beta decay called electron capture. Its half life is about 53 days. See
http://www.britannica.com/nobelprize/article-48278
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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