Understanding atoms.

[LukeMC]

Well to start with, the proton certainly isn't a solid object. It is made up of three smaller components, namely 2 "up" quarks and 1 "down" quark. As for it looking like a planet... I think it is too small to "see" or make any accurate replica of. I may be wrong.

[Purple Rabbit]

It's amazing. Does the proton really look like that, like a planet? How are the forces 'locked in' or applied without 'leaking' out?

No it does not!

It's just a simple model of an atom. Electrons don't move in planetlike orbitals around the nucleus. You are entering the domain of quantum mechanics that is ....well....a bit uncomprehensible for humans.

[CoxRox]

I wish someone could bring out a book that explained it all for someone who doesn't know particle physics. Changing the subject slightly, I'm hoping to get 'A Briefer History of Time' as it is apparently 'toned down' or 'dumbed down' from the original and easier to understand.

[Purple Rabbit]

I wish someone could bring out a book that explained it all for someone who doesn't know particle physics. Changing the subject slightly, I'm hoping to get 'A Briefer History of Time' as it is apparently 'toned down' or 'dumbed down' from the original and easier to understand.

Ever heard of Bill Brysons "A Short History of Nearly Everything "?

[CoxRox]

I have.........:

[LukeMC]

NO! Just get the brief one! It's not even that bad, I liked it.

I'd bring out a book, I've written two already (low level though, for one of my peers who'd missed a term of physics)

[Purple Rabbit]

I have.........:

Well, did it give you the answers you are seeking or is it just on your wish
list?

[CoxRox]

NO! Just get the brief one! It's not even that bad, I liked it.

I'd bring out a book, I've written two already (low level though, for one of my peers who'd missed a term of physics)

I'd be interested to read them. I didn't enjoy physics or any science subjects at school as I didn't understand them. (I was good at the humanities.) By the way, does the proton look like a planet in the link Adrian provided?

[LukeMC]

NO! Just get the brief one! It's not even that bad, I liked it.

I'd bring out a book, I've written two already (low level though, for one of my peers who'd missed a term of physics)

I'd be interested to read them. I didn't enjoy physics or any science subjects at school as I didn't understand them. (I was good at the humanities.) By the way, does the proton look like a planet in the link Adrian provided?

I never liked science. I was going to take philosophy, english literature, graphics and maths this year. But then over the summer I was dragged into the religious debates, saw so much science on youtube videos, was hooked on carl sagan and came out with a complete and utter love for the sciences. Now I'm taking physics, biology, chemistry and psychology And I'm loving it!

As for the proton looking like a planet- I doubt it. The atom used to be represented as a ball, but now we know it is mostly empty space. I do believe that the proton is very much the same. It is comprised of 3 smaller parts, so definately won't resemble a sphere.

[CoxRox]

What do you hope to be? You could go to medical school with good grades in those subjects.