What is in the Empty Space of an Atom?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nancy1251
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Atoms
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of the "empty space" within an atom, questioning what exists in that space and why atoms do not collapse. Participants explore concepts related to quantum mechanics, atomic structure, and the forces at play in solid materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the empty space inside an atom is indeed just empty space.
  • Others propose that quantum mechanics prevents electrons from collapsing into the nucleus, suggesting that electrons exist in a smeared geometric pattern rather than as discrete particles.
  • A participant mentions that over 99% of an atom is non-existent or empty space, but clarifies that this is more than 99% by volume.
  • There is a discussion about the classic model of electrons as planets orbiting the nucleus being incorrect, with a focus on the concept of smearing in quantum mechanics.
  • One participant raises a question about why solid objects, like a kitchen table, cannot be penetrated, leading to an explanation about atomic attraction and electron repulsion.
  • Another participant questions the density of materials and why some can be easily penetrated, such as jello, while others cannot.
  • A later reply emphasizes the complexity of why atoms do not collapse, noting that this question has historical significance in 20th-century physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the nature of atomic structure and forces, with no clear consensus reached on the underlying mechanisms or implications of the discussed concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on interpretations of quantum mechanics and atomic theory, which may vary among participants. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of electrons and atomic interactions that are not universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring atomic theory, quantum mechanics, and the fundamental nature of matter, particularly in the context of physics and materials science.

nancy1251
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hello I was wondering if someone could tell me what is in the empty space of an atom. Or if it's actually empty why doesn't it fill up with something or collapse?
Thanks for taking the time to answer what I hope isn't too dumb a question:smile:
Nancy
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The empty space inside the atom is just that- empty space.

The reason electrons don't collapse into the nucleus is because the laws of quantum mechanics prevent the electron from doing so. For more detail on this question about the atom collapsing, see the FAQ in the general physics forum:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=104715
 
Thank you for your reply. After reading it this is what I understand. Over 99% of everything is non existent or empty space. And electrons don't actually move they are instead smeared in a geometric pattern around the neculeus and that is what makes the atom stable.

Is this right?


Thanks again
Nancy
 
nancy1251 said:
Over 99% of everything is non existent or empty space.
Rather more than 99% by volume but yes.

And electrons don't actually move they are instead smeared in a geometric pattern around the neculeus and that is what makes the atom stable.
The classic picture of electrons like little planets whizzing around the nucleus is wrong but easy to picture. In quantum mechanics everything is smeared, it's just that as you get bigger the smearing is less - so a house is pretty sharp at the edges but a tiny electron is very smeared!
The reason the electrons can't fall into the nucleus is because they can only have certain energies and can't have the intermediate energy needed when they have fallen halfway.
It's not that they are locked in a geometric pattern repelling each other like stones in an arch - although that is a pretty good pitcure.
 
How remarkable. And thank you very much
Nancy
 
Sorry but I just have one more question. If all this is true and I assume it is, why can't I put my hand through my kitchen table?
Thanks again
Nancy
 
That's a very good question!
Materials are solids because the atoms all attract each other. The positive nucleus strongly attracts it's own electrons but also has a weak pull on the electrons on another atom (weaker because they are further away), this bonds all the atoms together. The strength of these bonds determines wether you have a very hard material like diamond or a weak one like water.

When you try and push atoms together the like-charges repel pushing them back apart - which is why everything doesn't immediately collapse into a neutron star.

So when you touch a table, the electrons in the atoms on you fingers are repelling the electrons in the atoms of the table. Thats the force you feel.
 
OK well that makes sense, thank you. What makes some materials denser than others? I can put my hand through jello.
Thanks
Nancy
 
oops sorry I didn't read the whole answer I just looked at my email. I got it.
Thanks again
Nancy
 
  • #10
nancy1251 said:
Hello I was wondering if someone could tell me what is in the empty space of an atom. Or if it's actually empty why doesn't it fill up with something or collapse?
Thanks for taking the time to answer what I hope isn't too dumb a question:smile:
Nancy

Hey nancy1251
How would the electron collapse? its a wave!
 
  • #11
aniketp said:
How would the electron collapse? its a wave!
I think they were asking why the atom doesn't collapse ie. why electrons didn't fall into the nucleus. This is a very good question, answering it took most of 20c physics.
 

Similar threads

High School Why did Rutherford conclude the atom was mostly empty space?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Undergrad Source of the damping force in Lorentz model
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School What causes solidity of objects?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
High School What Fills the Space Between the Nucleus and Electron Shells in an Atom?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Questions about electrically neutral atoms
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Graduate Atoms are 'nothing but' space versus 'mostly' space
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
13K
High School Fundamental Questions about Atoms
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School What Happens to Atom Properties When Electrons Are Removed?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
High School What does the 'space' inside an atom consist of?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
High School What makes a material an insulator?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K