Relationship between EMF and distance between the particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the distance between charged particles, specifically a proton and an electron, and the electromotive force (EMF) between them. Participants explore how these particles maintain a distance without collapsing into each other, despite the attractive force they exert on one another.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the distance between a proton and an electron balances with the EMF, suggesting that if they attract each other, they should eventually reach a distance of zero, leading to infinite EMF.
  • Another participant references the limitations of the Rutherford model of the hydrogen atom, indicating that the electron and proton should not be viewed as small charged spheres, and that quantum mechanics provides a more accurate description.
  • A third participant reiterates the initial question about how the distance between charged particles is maintained, emphasizing that electromagnetic force has infinite range and questioning how the forces balance out without the particles collapsing into each other.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the balancing of distance and EMF, with no consensus reached on the explanation. There are competing views on the adequacy of classical models versus quantum mechanical descriptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clarity regarding the term "EMF" and its implications in this context. There is also a suggestion to refer to existing resources for further understanding, indicating that the discussion may depend on interpretations of classical versus quantum physics.

werunom
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Hello.

One doubt.
How is the distance between the charged particles and the EMF between them get balanced out? That is, if I have a proton and electron, they attract each other, move towards each other and form a H atom. But going by this attractive force, they should approach each other such that the distance between them tends to be zero. And if this is the case, EMF would become infinite.
Since that doesn't happen, how the electron and the proton maintain & balance the distance between them?
 
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The fail of the Rutherford's H-atom's model has been extensively discussed on these forums along the years. Use the search option to find the threads. In short, the electron and the proton are not to be seen nor mathematically described as 2 small electrically charged spheres with charges of opposite sign.

Quantum mechanics provides an exact description of the H-atom.
 
werunom said:
Hello.

One doubt.
How is the distance between the charged particles and the EMF between them get balanced out? That is, if I have a proton and electron, they attract each other, move towards each other and form a H atom. But going by this attractive force, they should approach each other such that the distance between them tends to be zero. And if this is the case, EMF would become infinite.
Since that doesn't happen, how the electron and the proton maintain & balance the distance between them?

Please start by reading the FAQ thread in the General Physics forum. This is also not a "high energy physics" or "nuclear physics" question. This thread will be moved to a more appropriate forum.

Furthermore, you may want to spell out clearly what "EMF" stands for within the context of your usage. Please note that "EMF" as commonly used stands for "electromotive force".

Zz.
 
@ZapperZ - Excuse. Will take care from future.

@bigubau - I searched this forum and tried even google; but no luck! Though, I got links related to Rutherford's model and its drawback, I am not able to find the answer to my question.
can you please point me to the resource or mention the reason in brief? I can pick up the trail from there.
Edited -
Paraphrasing my doubt - how the distance between two charged particles get balanced out? As we know, electromagnetic force [EMF] is of infinite range - it just becomes weaker, but not zero. So, if there is an electron and a proton, both would get attracted towards each other. but it never happens that the distance between them becomes zero.
If that is the case, and EMF = (the product of the charges)/(the distance between the charges), the only thing fixed is the product of the charges. The EMF and (the distance between the charges) will have to balance out.
So...how this balancing act happens?

Thanks for your help.
 
Last edited:

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