Size Electron: Energy Increase, Size Unchanged?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Pjpic
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the properties of electrons, specifically addressing whether an increase in energy affects their size. It is established that electrons remain "point-like" regardless of energy changes, meaning their physical dimensions do not increase. The term "infinitely long hands" is used metaphorically to describe the electron's interaction capabilities, emphasizing its strong interaction potential characterized by a 1/r relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with particle physics terminology
  • Knowledge of interaction potentials in physics
  • Basic grasp of energy concepts in subatomic particles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of "point-like" particles in quantum field theory
  • Explore the implications of energy changes on particle behavior
  • Study the mathematical representation of interaction potentials, particularly 1/r
  • Investigate the role of electrons in quantum mechanics and their interaction with other particles
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and particle physics, as well as anyone interested in the fundamental properties of subatomic particles.

Pjpic
Messages
235
Reaction score
1
If the energy of an eletron is increased, is its size also increased? If not, how can it be that something (energy) can have the size of nothing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The electron has "infinitely long hands" to interact. It is very sticky. When they say it is "point-like", thay mean the interaction potential has a simple form like 1/r where there is a maximum at only one point.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Does current decrease inside a wire or does it increase it's velocity?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Photoelectric Effect questions to help my understanding
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Which does more work: gravitation or electromagnetism?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad The effect of a radio wave on an electron
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Undergrad Why does increasing resistance in a conductor decrease power dissipation?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding dissipation of energy in a resistor through the Drude model
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Energy transfer during gas discharge
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Confused about work done on charge
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Some Questions about Electric Current/Capacitors to help my understanding
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Do valence electrons determine electrical conductivity?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K