Protons & Electrons: How Do They Just Keep Flying?

In summary: But when the energy runs out, the electron falls to the doorknob. This is how energy levels work in atoms. In summary, the electron orbits the proton in a circular path. The electron has different levels of energy, and as the energy decreases, the electron falls to the proton.
  • #1
C3l7
8
0
Protons electrons...

What prevents electrons and protons from being stuck togeather? how do they just keep flying around the protons and nutrons?
 
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  • #2
The attractive force is what keeps the electrons flying around the nucleus instead of just flying off. This behavior is just the same as the way gravity keeps planets in orbit around a star or the way a slingshot keeps a rock in orbit around the holder's hand. The attractive force provides what is known as a centripetal force, which is responsible for continually changing the direction of the electron, thus keeping it in orbit.
 
  • #3
ok and is there an equation for finding the strenght of attraction of an electron to a proton?
 
  • #4
C3l7 said:
ok and is there an equation for finding the strenght of attraction of an electron to a proton?

I would look for a definition of coulomb's law...I think this is what you want.

Gokul43201 said:
The attractive force is what keeps the electrons flying around the nucleus instead of just flying off. This behavior is just the same as the way gravity keeps planets in orbit around a star or the way a slingshot keeps a rock in orbit around the holder's hand. The attractive force provides what is known as a centripetal force, which is responsible for continually changing the direction of the electron, thus keeping it in orbit.

BTW is this not a rather outdated model of the atom? Shouldn't you be talking about the energy levels of the electron instead?
 
  • #5
Hook up a rope to a doorknob, keep the other end in your hand. You can now make waves in the rope moving your hand up and down. To make a nice wave, you can go at different speeds, but not ANY speed. Each speed level is an energy level, depending on whether your wave has 1, 2, 3 ... bumps. Now imagine the distance between your hand and the doorknob is the circumference of the electron orbit. As long as the electron (the rope) has energy, it can't fall anywhere.
 

1. What are protons and electrons?

Protons and electrons are subatomic particles that make up the atoms of all known matter. Protons have a positive charge and are located in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons have a negative charge and orbit the nucleus.

2. How do protons and electrons just keep flying?

Protons and electrons are constantly in motion due to their electric charges. The positive charge of the protons and the negative charge of the electrons create a force that keeps them moving. This is known as the electromagnetic force.

3. What is the difference between protons and electrons?

Aside from their opposite charges, protons and electrons also have different masses. Protons are approximately 1,836 times more massive than electrons. Additionally, protons are located in the nucleus while electrons orbit around it.

4. How are protons and electrons related to electricity?

Protons and electrons are the fundamental particles responsible for creating and carrying electric charge. When they move, they create an electric current, which is the basis of electricity.

5. Can protons and electrons be destroyed?

According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. This means that protons and electrons cannot be destroyed, but they can be transformed into other forms of energy through processes like nuclear reactions.

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