There is no such thing as empty space in an atom. True?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "empty space" within atoms, challenging the traditional view that atoms are predominantly empty. Participants reference the Bohr model and quantum mechanics, emphasizing that electrons exist in a "cloud" rather than fixed orbits. The introduction of "Planck strings" suggests that this space may contain fundamental strings that carry information, contradicting the notion of emptiness. The conversation highlights the complexity of defining empty space, with examples such as the Casimir effect and the Unruh effect illustrating varying perceptions of emptiness in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Bohr model of the atom
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of Planck length and its significance in physics
  • Awareness of the Casimir effect and Unruh effect
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Planck strings in string theory
  • Explore the Casimir effect and its relevance to quantum field theory
  • Study the Unruh effect and its impact on the perception of empty space
  • Investigate the differences between classical and quantum interpretations of atomic structure
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of atomic structure and the concept of empty space in physics.

magnusrobot12
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There is no such thing as empty space in an atom. String Theory Amendum

Another question that bothers me. We are taught that the atom is mostly empty space and I understand Bohr's atom and the concept of quantum. No problem. However, there is a movement in physics that states the "empty space" is not really empty, that it contains plank strings with information. Is this true? Can anyone help me with this idea? Thank you in advance.
 
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Well the Bohr model is correct only in that electrons have energy states, but not in the circular orbital sense. It is now understood to represnt a "cloud" of electrons. I have never heard of plank strings before, but I am just beginning in atomic structure. I hope some one else can shed more information on this.

Joe
 
are these plank strings matter?
 
I do not think the plank strings have mass or else the atom would have infinite mass i suppose. the point is that we are taught that there is 99.9999999999% empty space in an atom because of the quantum orbitals that electron travels. There is a new thought that the space is not empty at all, that it contain strings the size of plank length. And there are a hell of a lot of strings. These strings may carry information but i do not even know what the hell that means either. The atom is probably empty after all.
 


magnusrobot12 said:
Another question that bothers me. We are taught that the atom is mostly empty space and I understand Bohr's atom and the concept of quantum. No problem. However, there is a movement in physics that states the "empty space" is not really empty, that it contains plank strings with information. Is this true? Can anyone help me with this idea? Thank you in advance.

The concept of "empty space" is quite complicated.

2 important examples:

1. If we consider empty space 'empty', then between 2 Casimir plates space is even emptier!
Check Casimir effect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_effect

2. If space is empty for me, it can be not empty for you (for another observer). Different observers can disagree on the fact that space is empty or not, and on the number of the partricles they observe!
Check Unruh effect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unruh_effect
 

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