So we have an idea whereby when large numbers of atoms and molecules are in close proximity they tend to stick together. There are a lot of molecules. There may be upwards of ten to the twenty-fifth power molecules in a meter squared. Humans just can't comprehend that type of magnitude.
Gauss' law of electric fields will force electrons in a repulsive manner. These electrons will clear a way towards the nucleus which will attract the electron from the adjacent molecule or atom.
It is interesting to compare a strong Gaussian attraction to a weak one. Notably, a strong diatomic atomic - chemical attraction and a gravitational attraction.
A diatomic molecule has an almost full valence shell. Two atoms together form what looks more like a stable double shell together. Statistically these atoms stay together. We can imagine that the atoms come together the electrons scatter before the nucleus feels any of the push or pull of Maxwell's equations. Because the electrons move so quickly the attractive force of the nucleus is exposed. Electrons from the adjacent atom will be attracted beginning the diatomic attraction. This attraction settles out in a molecule because of the inherent stability of the double shell.
Let's look at the weakest case we can find to see if it fits with our model for the weak force of gravity, helium. We can imagine that the helium atoms come together the electrons scatter before the nucleus feels any of the push or pull of Maxwell's equations. Because the electrons move so quickly the attractive force of the nucleus is exposed. Electrons from the adjacent atom will be briefly attracted before being pushed away. This force is brief and it is statistically valid for only small fractions of time. Larger masses see more statistical attraction building towards the gravitational attraction of large masses.
No comments:
Post a Comment