What occurs when electrons stop orbiting the nucleus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of electrons stopping their motion around the nucleus of an atom. Participants explore the implications of this scenario, touching on concepts of atomic structure, energy states, and ionization. The conversation includes both theoretical considerations and practical examples from physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the premise of electrons stopping their motion, suggesting that electrons exist in quantized energy states rather than traditional orbits.
  • One participant mentions that ionization occurs when enough energy is provided to free an electron from an atom, resulting in an ion and a free electron.
  • Another participant proposes that if an electron were to stop revolving, it could lead to a weak interaction where a proton turns into a neutron, although this scenario is framed as speculative.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the question's validity, arguing that it implies a fundamental alteration of physical laws.
  • One participant notes that high-energy photons or electrons can knock electrons off atoms, leading to the formation of ions, which is a common occurrence in various environments, including stars and the atmosphere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and implications of the initial question. While some clarify the nature of atomic structure and electron behavior, others challenge the premise itself. There is no consensus on the hypothetical scenario presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding atomic behavior within the framework of quantum mechanics, particularly regarding energy eigenstates and ionization processes. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of atomic interactions and the implications of altering fundamental physical principles.

CuriousS
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What will happen if somehow we make electron to stop revolving around the necleus?
 
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CuriousS said:
What will happen if somehow we make an atom stop oscillating as a wave? Will the atom disappear?
This question makes no sense. An atom isn't oscillating as a wave. An atom has a nucleus of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in various quantised energy states (called electron shells).
 
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PeroK said:
This question makes no sense. An atom isn't oscillating as a wave. An atom has a nucleus of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in various quantised energy states (called electron shells).
Sorry I questioned it wrong. I have corrected it.
 
CuriousS said:
What will happen if somehow we make electron to stop revolving around the necleus?

First, it isn't revolving round the nucleus. It's in an energy eigenstate. Only certain energy eigenstates are allowed (they must be solutions to the Schrödinger equation).

You can ionise an atom, by providing enough energy to "free" an electron. In that case you have an ion and a free electron which is no longer bound to the atom/ion.

The short answer to your question is that you get an ion.
 
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CuriousS said:
What will happen if somehow we make electron to stop revolving around the necleus?
You can't stop such an electron. But if you have only a nucleus (ion) and shoot an electron onto this nucleus, then a proton will turn into a neutron by emitting a neutrino.
Here is a nice list of weak interactions:
https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~pgl/SMB/529/Lecture_notes/LN15_weak.pdf
 
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Basically you are asking "what would happen if we stop physics to work the way it does?". No way to predict it, just as you can't predict how a fairy tale ends before it is told to the end.
 
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CuriousS said:
What will happen if somehow we make electron to stop revolving around the necleus?
The word is 'orbiting' but the question is basically ok. It's not at all hard to knock an electron off an atom. A high energy photon or electron will do it. It happens all the time in our atmosphere. The atoms that are in and near stars are pretty much all missing some or all of their electrons. Atoms with missing electrons are called Ions.
 

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