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#137235
snowbeast
Since when are evolutionary biologists supposed to be experts in physics?
1/12/2007 3:05:33 AM
#137237
Flatworm
Because electrons in a potential well can only exist in a limited number of quantized states, none of which can be described as \"stuck to the nucleus\".
Here's the \"can't be arsed to learn physics beyond 8th grade\" version: electrons are not spitballs.
1/12/2007 3:12:08 AM
#137308
Damn Yankee
Don't a proton and an electron become a neutron when they collide? I read that neutrons have a slightly higher mass than protons, so I figure that's how they form.
1/12/2007 5:14:13 AM
#137837
Niali
Yankee: Such a reaction, if it ever occurred, would emit no energy. If it happened, how would we know?
1/12/2007 6:59:19 PM
#138019
Amos
Niali,
The reaction does emit something. A proton and electron combine to produce a neutron and a neutrino. Though, neutrinos are extremely hard to detect.
Luckily, protons and electrons combine most often (I believe) in a process called electron capture. This happens when a large atom has too many protons but not enough energy to radiate properly. The path of least resistance for such things is for a proton and electron pair to combine, forming a new element. This lighter element's inner electron orbit is now missing an electron (an excited state!). As electrons cascade to fill, an x-ray photon is emitted. This x-ray photon can be detected.
/Or somebody that actually knows physics could comment. We pretend to know everything, but I'm just CS.
1/12/2007 11:44:28 PM
#138032
David D.G.
Two words: Neutron stars.
~David D.G.
1/13/2007 12:02:57 AM
#411095
cyborgtroy
"that in 15 billion years has never gotten attached to the nucleus."
Gentlemen, I give you:
The Neutron.
By combining a Proton and an Electron...
2/20/2008 6:40:59 PM
#411138
Quantum Mechanic
Failed physics again.
During electron capture, an electron in an atom's inner shell is drawn into the nucleus where it combines with a proton, forming a neutron and a neutrino. The neutrino is ejected from the atom's nucleus.
idiot
2/20/2008 7:17:01 PM
#411153
2/20/2008 7:49:15 PM
#509917
Terry Stroud
You shame your village.
5/21/2008 1:52:33 PM
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