does gravity have an effect on electrons in an atom?

Answer 1

All of the above answers are correct.

Gravity affects everything with mass, and electrons do have mass, though it is extremely small. So, from a technical standpoint, yes gravity does have an effect.

However, the extremely small size of the electron's mass within an atom compared with the relatively immense strength of the forces of attraction within the atom itself makes the effects of gravity within the atom pretty much inconsequential. It should be present, but I'm not sure how quantifiable it would be. Someone who's stronger on the computational side than I am could probably produce a formula that would characterize this dynamic.

*edit* - Looks like Mark was quicker than I was. :)

Answer 2

Yes it does.

If an atom were in a vacuum, the electrons would be pulled down by the local gravity. The nucleus would be pulled down at the same rate so all parts of the atom would remain relativly in their correct positions.

If there were another atom under it, the first thing the dedscending electron would encounter would be another electron, which would repel it with much more force than gravity. The internal forces within the atom continue to maintain the atoms structure.

Answer 3

Gravity affects atoms the same way it affects all other matter. Every atom creates its own gravitational field which attracts all other matter in the universe. If you put a lot of atoms together, like in a planet or a star, all of the little gravitational fields add together, creating a much stronger pull.

If you could hold an atom in your hand and drop it, it would fall to the ground, just like a book or a brick. In fact, if you could remove all the air from a room and drop an atom in a vacuum, it would fall to the ground at exactly the same rate as a book or a brick would. After all, a book or a brick is nothing more than a collection of atoms.

Answer 4

Gravity has an effect on everything, but within the confines of the atom the most important factor is the energy bonding the electrons. Gravity is a weak force and WITHIN the atom it is insignificant. Of course, gravity's effect on the whole atom is probably a lot more important.

Answer 5

Yes gravity does have an effect on atom, we are all made up of atoms and unless gravity have an effect on atom we wont experience gravity. Every single thing in the universe is made up of atoms. So there is no question gravity does have an influence on atoms.

Spencer Jones
http://www.everything-encyclopedia.com

Answer 6

Theoretically gravity does exert force upon every object with a mass. However, in this case the mass of the electron is so small that any gravitational force acting upon it becomes immeasurably insignificant when compared to the electromagnetic force exerted between the protons in the nuclei of the atom and the electrons which surround it.

Answer 7

No, gravity is by far the weakest of the fundamental forces. The only reason gravity effects are ever visible is because, uniquely, it works over large ranges and it's always attractive so the effect adds up. But it has no effect whatsoever on an electron orbital, which is moulded by electromagnetism.

Answer 8

Yes, gravity has an effect on all matter.

Answer 9

yes it does, the "weight" is mg = 9.11*10^-31 * 9.81 but not much...

In terms of its gravitational attraction to a proton:

F = -MmG/d^2 assuming d is 0.1nm

= -6.67*10^-27*9.11*10^-31*6.67*10^-11/(0.1*10^-9)^2

5.53557307*10^-51 N ~ 0

Answer 10

gravitational force is directly proportional to the masses of the objects involved. The mass of the electron is to small to produce appereciable gravitational force.