One explanation I have read regarding the formation of neutron stars is
that as the gravitation force compress the massive stellar matter beyond
the repulsive force of the electrons that the electrons are "driven" into
the nucleus of the atom and hit protons to form neutrons (hence neutron
stars).
This seems to contradict quantum theory. Electrons are already be
attracted to the nucleus because of their opposite electrical charge. If
the reason electrons don't fall into the nucleus is a "quantum exclusion"
(my Dad's explanation) as opposed to satellite-like orbital velocity then
how can this be? It's either an "exclusion" (a disallowed orbital
jump?) or it's not?
I could see an explanation that it only happens under tremendous pressure
or at high temperatures but it also seems confusing that the
gravitational force (10^40 times weaker than the electrical force) can do
want electrical attraction can't?
Sincerely,
Lee Wilmoth Lerner
Fairhope High School, Fairhope, AL USA Email via:
lw.lerner@juno.com
“But I don't have to know an answer. I don't feel frightened by not
knowing things,
by being lost in the mysterious universe....” -- Richard Feynman
"...unless, of course, I have a test" -- LWL
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