Why are we able to feel the textures of objects.

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The discussion centers on the ability to feel textures despite the atomic structure of matter being mostly empty space. It explains that the repulsion between electrons in atoms prevents physical penetration, akin to magnetic poles repelling each other. The texture we perceive is a macroscopic characteristic influenced by surface irregularities and material properties, rather than quantum mechanics or electrostatics. The conversation highlights that while atoms are mostly empty, physical objects are spatially extended, complicating the notion of "empty space." Ultimately, the understanding of texture arises from the interaction of surfaces at a scale much larger than atomic dimensions.
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I know that since atoms are made up of mostly empty space, everything around us is made up of empty space. Also, (correct me if I'm wrong) I know that the reason why my hand doesn't go though a table when I place my hand on top is because the very small gap between my hand and the table thanks to the electrons around the atoms from the table top and my hand repelling each other. Why are we able to feel textures of objects if there is a gap between us and the object?
 
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You can understand it classically through electrostatics. The negative charge of the electrons in one atom repel the negative charge of the electrons in another. It's equivalent to trying to force two similar magnetic poles together.

In quantum terms, the Pauli exclusion principle forbids two fermions of the same quantum state from existing in the same physical position. You simply aren't allowed to pass one atoms through another, as this would involve electrons sharing a position.
 
Texture is a macro characteristic and has little or nothing to do with what you are talking about.
 
Whether the surface is made of atomic-scale physical balls or atomic scale "force fields" makes very little difference when the textures you are feeling are on the order of 10 million times larger.
 
What creates the textures that we feel?
 
ntovar73 said:
What creates the textures that we feel?

Surface irregularities and differences in material substance/strength/flexibility, etc.

Are you seriously saying you don't understand this?
 
I assumed the OP was asking why objects are solid, although atoms are dominantly empty space.

As phinds explains, texture is a totally macroscopic concept. It doesn't have anything to do with quantum mechanics or electrostatics.
 
ntovar73 said:
I know that since atoms are made up of mostly empty space, everything around us is made up of empty space.

Albert Einstein said:
Physical objects are not in space, but these objects are spatially extended (as fields). In this way the concept “empty space” loses its meaning.

Genius.
 

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