Why Do Electrons Orbit Protons & Planets Orbit the Sun?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the reasons behind the orbital behavior of electrons around protons and planets around the sun, addressing both atomic and astronomical scales. It touches on concepts from quantum mechanics and classical mechanics, as well as the implications of formation processes in the solar system.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that electrons do not stick to protons due to quantum effects, specifically the uncertainty principle.
  • Others argue that planets do not crash into the sun because of the residual angular momentum from the solar system's formation.
  • A participant introduces the anthropic principle, suggesting that the planets formed from matter that had the right momentum to remain in orbit after some matter crashed into the sun during its ignition.
  • One participant reiterates the initial question about why electrons orbit protons, seeking further clarification.
  • Another participant requests a link to the FAQ for additional information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms behind the orbital behavior of electrons and planets, indicating that multiple competing explanations exist without a consensus on the matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves complex concepts that may depend on specific definitions and assumptions related to quantum mechanics and celestial mechanics, which remain unresolved in the conversation.

Caesar_Rahil
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Why don't elctrons just go and stick to the protons in the nucleus as they are opposite charged particles, why do they keep orbiting them.
Another question related to this.
Why don't planets just go and crash the sun due to gravity, why do they orbit around it,Who told them or set them in motion around the sun?
 
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Electrons don't stick to protons because of quantum effects - namely the uncertainty principle.

Planets don't crash into the sun because of the residual angular momentum present at the formation of our solar system.

Claude.
 
You can use the anthropic principle on the planets: when the solar system was formed, a lot of matter did crash into the sun and a lot was blown away by its ignition. The planets formed out of what was left that just happened to have the right momentum to stay in orbit.
 
hmm i want to know too please reply
 
Caesar_Rahil said:
Why don't elctrons just go and stick to the protons in the nucleus as they are opposite charged particles, why do they keep orbiting them.

Read our FAQ in this section of PF.

Zz.
 
Could you give me a link? Where is that?
 
Click back once to the list of threads for this section, and look near the top of the list: "Physics Forums FAQ".
 

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