Ultimate Fate of a Hydrogen Atom in a Perfect Vacuum

In summary, if a single hydrogen atom were placed in a perfect vacuum, it would remain stable and not degrade over time. The concept of entropy is not applicable in this scenario, as the atom would stay in a perfect elliptical orbit forever. The atom's components, such as the quarks and electrons, would remain bound together and unchanged.
  • #1
NthDeegree
2
0
Assume that you placed a single atom (let's keep it simple and specify a hydrogen atom) in a theoretical container that could maintain a perfect vacuum. The perfect vacuum being defined as having no matter, electromagnetic radiation, neutrinos etc.

What would be the ultimate fate of that atom? Would it slowly lose any energy it possessed when first put in the container and eventually degrade to a thin quark soup? How long would it take the atom to degrade if indeed that was it's fate.
 
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  • #2
I don't know the particle physics part, but from the classical view entropy only tell which of the mechanically allowed states are more likely. So for a mass orbiting another mass the entropy concept isn't really useful. The path would stay a perfect ellipse forever.
 
  • #3
A stable atom does not change with time. Quarks are forever bound together in the nucleus, the electron forever bound to the nucleus.
 

1. What is a thought experiment on entropy?

A thought experiment on entropy is a mental exercise used by scientists to understand and explore the concept of entropy, which is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system.

2. How is a thought experiment on entropy different from a physical experiment?

A thought experiment on entropy does not involve any physical materials or equipment, but instead relies on the imagination and logical reasoning of the scientist to explore different scenarios and outcomes.

3. What is the purpose of a thought experiment on entropy?

The purpose of a thought experiment on entropy is to help scientists better understand the concept of entropy and how it applies to different systems, as well as to generate new ideas and hypotheses for further study.

4. Can a thought experiment on entropy provide conclusive results?

No, a thought experiment on entropy cannot provide definitive answers or results, but it can help guide further research and experimentation.

5. How are thought experiments on entropy used in the field of science?

Thought experiments on entropy are commonly used in fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology to explore and test theories and concepts related to entropy and its role in various systems and processes.

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