Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Tilleard, Andrew on 08/05/2011 20:30:02

Title: What makes up the space between an electron and nucleus?
Post by: Tilleard, Andrew on 08/05/2011 20:30:02

Tilleard, Andrew  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Gents,

We are all familiar with the concept of space;  that is gaps between stuff in our world. We know, for example that the gap between two parked cars is filled with air, containing countless atoms. But at a quantum level, what is in the 'space' or gap between an electron and a nucleus? Obviously it can't be an atom so what is in there?

Best Regards,

Andy

What do you think?

Title: What makes up the space between an electron and nucleus?
Post by: Phractality on 08/05/2011 21:19:38

The politically correct answer, nowadays, is "Nothing!" We are supposed to believe that the emptiness between observable particles has no substance, and e/m waves propagate without a medium. If that kind of dogma gives you an empty feeling, try the New Theories section (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?board=18.0). There are many ether based models which describe the substance of "empty" space in detail, but they are all considered by mainstream physicists to be heretical hogwash.

Title: What makes up the space between an electron and nucleus?
Post by: yor_on on 09/05/2011 19:15:05

Not entirely true Phractality :)

Your solution is unusual, and worth taking a look at as I see it. And if we look at it from a quantum level space is infused with this remarkable 'zero energy' as some call it, or 'quantum foam'. But the mainstream view is still that space is empty macroscopically, not having any friction measurable and neither any resistance. But it exist right? And in that motto it most certainly is 'something'.

The Tao says this about it.

""Thirty spokes share the wheel's hub;
It is the center hole that makes it useful.
Shape clay into a vessel;
It is the space within that makes it useful.
Cut doors and windows for a room;
It is the holes which make it useful.
Therefore benefit comes from what is there;
Usefulness from what is not there."

I kind'a love that translation. Einstein found space problematic too, even though he defined it being a 'emptiness'. What we know we have in space is two things, gravity which seems to be wherever 'space' is, and 'distance' which to me is the really remarkable thing about it, allowing the dichotomy space/matter to exist.
==

And yeah, a atom is some 99.999~ 'space' or 'emptiness', as I understands it?

(If you want to read about Tao, try this translation. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0679776192/ref=sib_dp_ptu#reader-link) probably the best book I ever read, pure poetry and so beautiful photos.)