Why Can't We Pass Through Solid Objects if Atoms Are Mostly Empty Space?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the paradox of why solid objects cannot be passed through despite atoms being mostly empty space. The analogy of an atom as a stadium with a nucleus the size of an eraser is examined, highlighting that solid compounds are tightly bound, preventing passage. Electromagnetic repulsion plays a crucial role, as surrounding electrons of one atom repel those of another when brought close together. High-energy particles, such as electrons, can penetrate thin layers of solids like gold foil, demonstrating that while atoms are mostly empty, their structural arrangement and electrostatic forces prevent easy passage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and composition
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic forces
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts
  • Awareness of solid-state physics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic repulsion in atomic interactions
  • Study the behavior of high-energy particles in solid materials
  • Explore the concept of atomic arrangement in solid-state physics
  • Investigate the properties of materials at the atomic level, such as gold foil experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, material scientists, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of atomic interactions and solid-state behavior.

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Hi, I always heard the textbook presenting the idea that atom is mostly compose of space by giving the analogy that if the whole atom is the size of a stadium then the nucleus would be the size of an eraser in the middle of a stadium, and the electrons flying around the stadium

but if this is true why can we not go through solid object.

i understand that solid compounds are so tightly bound together that it became impossible to go through, but if we go back to the analogy i get confuse of how atomic compound structures if a nucleus is only an eraser positioning in the middle of a stadium, according to the analogy doesn't this require thousands or even millions of nucleus to fill in the space of an atom for the compound to remain an un-go-through-able solid?

or is the analogy simply wrong

another question is that, if the outer shell of the atom is made up of electron, then if we are touching elements like gold or irons why don't we get electric shock?

thanks in advance
 
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Electromagnetic repulsion!

Bring two atoms close to each other. The surrounding electrons will be the first ones to come in "contact" with the other atom, resulting in, to a first order, an electrostatic repulsion.

Zz.
 
i wud like to ans the first part of ur ques. although there are large empty spaces inside an atom one still needs extremely small or high energy particles to get through these large spaces in perspective to an atom but by all practical measures very small gaps. if small enough particles like electrons or protons are bombarded over solid substances they are deflected by the particles of the solid due to electrostatic forces. also not all atoms in a solid are arranged in a line and infact arranged randomly. if the bombarded particle passes through a layer it may get deflected in the other.
infact if a thin enough layer of a solid is taken(e.g. gold foil) and bombarded with high energy beam of electrons most of them pass through unaffected.
i hope u wud be satisfied by this explanation
yours sincerely,
stav haldar
 

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