So, okay, I've got a question, being not an entirely physics junkie yet. This may be a simple answer, but maybe not...
Electrons are negatively charged, and protons are positively charged and neutrons are basically neutral, right?
So, all things being equal I'm assuming protons ane electrons have approximately the same strength of positive and negative charge yes?
And like charges repel whereas opposite charges attract?
So, why is it that atoms prefer the structure of protons in the nucleus and electrons in the shells as opposed to electrons in the nucleus and protons in the shells?? Shouldn't both ways of doing it be equally viable?
IE, would it be possible to have a nucleus of electrons and neutrons orbited by a shell of protons? If so, or if not, why?
They both seem to have the same properties of attracting the other, and repelling themselves. So, one would think the same structure could be built either way?
Why isn't it? Or... is it in some instances?
2006-07-14
06:17:44
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7 answers
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asked by
Michael Gmirkin
3
in
Science & Mathematics
➔ Physics
Ahh, okay, so ostensibly it's their mass difference that causes their structuring. IE, the heavier particles (protons) will exert more pull via gravity, thus clumping together into nuclei with neutrons. And their energy does less work on their mass (pushes it not as far, thus it vibrates rather than flying about like an electron) than the energy of an electron working on its mass (basically zinging about, as it were since its negligible mass is easier to push about).
One could draw a strong parallel with density. IE, more dense materials with more mass more tightly packed together (in this case protons) tend to clump together and "sink" toward the center of gravity (in this case into a clumped nucleus). Where gravity brings them together, their charge repels them from each other and their energy makes them sit and vibrate.
Whereas particles with a lighter less dense configurations and more energy per mass tend to stratify toward energy shells zipping about but held by gravity.. cool!
2006-07-14
06:59:45 ·
update #1