Why does the atom not fold onto itsef?

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In summary, the electrons in an atom do not collapse onto the nucleus due to the wave-like properties of the electron and the uncertainty principle. It is possible to determine the position of an electron at a specific time, but with some degree of uncertainty. Electrons and protons are not composed of smaller particles, but the particles in the nucleus, such as quarks and gluons, have electric charges and are responsible for nuclear physics applications. The atomic theory has been updated to accommodate these smaller particles, and it is theoretically possible to split an atom with enough force, as seen in nuclear reactions.
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Khaled332
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If the atom is composed of a nucleus with positively charged subatomic particles, and the electrons are in the outer orbitals which are defined as in an electron cloud, why doe they not attract and the atom does not collapse on itself due to electrostatic forces of attraction. Also is there a way to find out where an electron is in the electron cloud at a specific time, can you model a function of the atoms position in the diameter of the atom with respect to time,or is the electron moving way to fast to be observed? or can you just be somewhat accurate to a decimal? Also I know that electrons and protons are composed of even smaller particles like quarks and gluons, could someone specifiy me the location of these particles and if they have an electrical charge? Also If the atomic theory states that atoms are the smallest indivisible units of matter, why is it that an atoms protons and neutrons can be split into neutrinos, and glouns, and quarks, and isn't it theoritically possible for an atom to be split by such force that the nucleus will be split or broken apart isn't this somewhat correlated to nuclear physics applications we have today?

Thanks for your time
 
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  • #3
Khaled332 said:
If the atom is composed of a nucleus with positively charged subatomic particles, and the electrons are in the outer orbitals which are defined as in an electron cloud, why doe they not attract and the atom does not collapse on itself due to electrostatic forces of attraction.

The electron has a wave function associated with it. The wave is in the area you would normally find an electron. There is also a probability that the electron is in the nucleus at any point in time due to part of the wave function being in the nucleus.

Khaled332 said:
Also is there a way to find out where an electron is in the electron cloud at a specific time, can you model a function of the atoms position in the diameter of the atom with respect to time,or is the electron moving way to fast to be observed? or can you just be somewhat accurate to a decimal?

According to the uncertainty principle, you can find out extremely precisely where the electron is at a specific time.

Khaled332 said:
Also I know that electrons and protons are composed of even smaller particles like quarks and gluons

Electrons are not composed of smaller particles.

Khaled332 said:
Could someone specifiy me the location of these particles and if they have an electrical charge? Also If the atomic theory states that atoms are the smallest indivisible units of matter, why is it that an atoms protons and neutrons can be split into neutrinos, and glouns, and quarks, and isn't it theoritically possible for an atom to be split by such force that the nucleus will be split or broken apart isn't this somewhat correlated to nuclear physics applications we have today?

The particles are in the nucleus. The nucleons are basically made up of only two quarks. The up quark and the down quark. The up quark has an electric charge of 2/3 and the down quark has an electric charge of -1/3. A proton is made up of 2 up and 1 down quarks. A neutron is made of 1 up and 2 down quarks. The atomic theory has already been changed to accommodate the smaller particles and what many people are learning now is just a simplification.

Yes, the nuclear physics applications we have today are based upon this fact. It is not only theoretically possible, it has been done. If you want to know more about the elementary particles, there are a lot of useful sites to help you with understanding the standard model.
 
  • #4
Khaled332 said:
If the atom is composed of a nucleus with positively charged subatomic particles, and the electrons are in the outer orbitals which are defined as in an electron cloud, why doe they not attract and the atom does not collapse on itself due to electrostatic forces of attraction. Also is there a way to find out where an electron is in the electron cloud at a specific time, can you model a function of the atoms position in the diameter of the atom with respect to time,or is the electron moving way to fast to be observed? or can you just be somewhat accurate to a decimal? Also I know that electrons and protons are composed of even smaller particles like quarks and gluons, could someone specifiy me the location of these particles and if they have an electrical charge? Also If the atomic theory states that atoms are the smallest indivisible units of matter, why is it that an atoms protons and neutrons can be split into neutrinos, and glouns, and quarks, and isn't it theoritically possible for an atom to be split by such force that the nucleus will be split or broken apart isn't this somewhat correlated to nuclear physics applications we have today?

Thanks for your time

Please start by reading the FAQ sub-forum in the General Physics forum.

Zz.
 

1. Why do atoms not collapse onto themselves?

Atoms are held together by the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. This force is strong enough to overcome the repulsive force between protons in the nucleus, keeping the atom stable. Additionally, electrons are constantly in motion around the nucleus, creating a balance of attractive and repulsive forces that prevent the atom from collapsing.

2. What is the role of electrons in preventing atoms from collapsing?

Electrons are negatively charged particles that are constantly in motion around the nucleus of an atom. This motion creates a repulsive force that counteracts the attractive force between protons in the nucleus. This balance of forces helps to keep the atom stable and prevents it from collapsing.

3. What is the significance of the strong nuclear force in preventing atoms from collapsing?

The strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and is responsible for holding the nucleus of an atom together. This force is extremely powerful and is able to overcome the repulsive force between protons in the nucleus, keeping the atom stable. Without the strong nuclear force, atoms would not be able to exist in their current form.

4. How does the size of the atom prevent it from collapsing?

The size of an atom is determined by the arrangement of its electrons, which are constantly in motion around the nucleus. This motion creates a balance of attractive and repulsive forces that keep the atom stable. Additionally, the size of the atom is also determined by the strength of the strong nuclear force, which is able to overcome the repulsive force between protons in the nucleus.

5. Can atoms collapse under certain conditions?

Under certain extreme conditions, such as high pressures or temperatures, atoms can collapse or undergo nuclear reactions. However, under normal conditions, the strong nuclear force and the movement of electrons are enough to keep atoms stable and prevent them from collapsing onto themselves.

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