What if atoms obeyed an inverse-cubed law

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SUMMARY

Atoms cannot exist in a universe governed by an inverse-cubed law due to the absence of stable electron orbits. This conclusion is derived from the principles outlined in Rees' book, "Just Six Numbers." In such a scenario, electrons would not have a ground state, which is essential for atomic stability. Additionally, the conservation of flux, a characteristic of 1/r² laws, would be compromised, further destabilizing atomic structures.

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  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron orbits
  • Familiarity with potential energy laws, specifically inverse-cube and inverse-square laws
  • Basic knowledge of dimensionality in physics, particularly four-dimensional space
  • Concept of flux conservation in physical laws
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  • Investigate the properties of 1/r² laws and their significance in physics
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles governing atomic stability and the implications of different physical laws.

bobsmith76
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atoms would be impossible in a universe ruled by an inverse-cube law because there would be no stable orbits for electrons.

The above sentence comes from Rees' book Just Six Numbers. I don't get it. Why would an inverse-cube law affect the stability of electron orbits?
 
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Because for an inverse-cube potential, there is no ground state!
 
they will obey inverse cube law if universe had 4 space dimensions
 
Bill_K said:
Because for an inverse-cube potential, there is no ground state!

Not to mention flux is no longer conserved. That's a special property of 1/r^2 laws that we often take for granted.
 

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