Are there atoms in the vacuum of space?

Answer 1

As all answers indicate, there are a few...much fewer than, say, the atom density of our atmosphere. This is why we say space is a vacuum...fewer atoms (molecules) relative to our air.

But even though atoms are few, space is not a nothing...it is a something. For one thing, it can be bent by extreme gravitational pull, like from a dense, very large galaxy. That is, the force of gravity acts on space like it acts on mass in W/m = g, where weight (W), the force of gravity, acts on a mass m to yield an acceleration g. So space has a virtual mass if not a real mass like m in the equation.

For another thing, space is expanding at an increasing rate...it is accelerating. Again, this is like f/m = a; where f is some force acting on a mass m to yield an acceleration a. So we have yet another observed indication that space is a something like mass in that it accelerates under some force. As gravity is the only force known to affect space, one can imagine the force f is also the force of some gravitational pull coming from outside our known universe. (Some posit an antigravity pushing rather than pulling, but such antigravity has not yet been observed.)

Answer 2

Yes there are. Space, while it seems to be a great big empty place is actually very full of matter. So much so that scientists have yet (and probably never will) discover any place in the universe that is a true vacuum. By definition a true vacuum is the total absence of matter.

So in answer to your question, there are atoms in space. However, space is not truely a vacuum. It is only a partial vacuum.

Answer 3

Yes. Space is a pretty good vacuum, but not a perfect vacuum. In the solar system, there is always the solar wind, which is particles escaping from the Sun at high speed. In interstellar space there are varying amounts of atoms, depending on if you are in a nebula or not. Even in intergalactic space there are some atoms floating free.

Answer 4

Contrary to the first answer, the backround temperature of 3 K (2.7 K to be more precise) is the temperature of microwave radiation, not atoms. Light and other forms of radiation can have temperature as well.

To answer your question, a vacuum means "no matter", so the literal answer is no, but that's a bit of a triviality. There are stray atoms in outer space, but they are few and far between, so there's a whole lot of space btween them.

Answer 5

i think there is no concept of vacuum in an atom as atom itself is a space where in the electrons are constantly moving around the nuclues.u get the particular shape of an atom only because of that particular probability of finding an electron there. u can never be specific that u will find it in a paritcular space and time.

Answer 6

Yes, taking space as a whole, there are sufficient atoms and molecules of gases to prevent Absolute Zero Pressure and Temperature being achieved.

Answer 7

This may also be of interest: it is theorized that a vacuum structure itself is filled with massless electrically neutral particles called vacuuons. So, if you believe in this theory (called the Basic-Particle Formation Scheme) then yes, every single vacuum by nature is filled with particles.

Answer 8

There are a few atoms, but mostly ionized protons and electrons (which makes it not a pure vacuum).

Answer 9

Yes, a few. The background signature of open space is about 3K, so there has to be particles to give rise to this temp.

Answer 10

yes every thing has a building block of atoms and molecules even the air