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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "empty space" within an atom, particularly in light of string theory and quantum mechanics. Participants explore whether the space traditionally considered empty in atomic structure may actually contain fundamental strings that carry information, challenging the conventional understanding of atomic composition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the atom is mostly empty space, referencing the Bohr model and quantum mechanics, while questioning the validity of this notion in light of string theory.
  • One participant introduces the idea of "plank strings," suggesting that these strings may occupy the space within atoms and carry information, although the concept remains unclear.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about whether plank strings could be considered matter, speculating that if they had mass, it could lead to contradictions regarding atomic mass.
  • A later reply discusses the complexity of defining "empty space," citing examples such as the Casimir effect and the Unruh effect to illustrate that perceptions of emptiness can vary between observers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of empty space within atoms. There are competing views regarding the existence and implications of plank strings, as well as differing interpretations of what constitutes "empty space."

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the definition and properties of plank strings, as well as the unresolved implications of quantum mechanics on the concept of empty space.

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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