SANParks.org Forums

Heksie, you're knowledgeable in most other things; so time to brush on Science. And, , guesswork is not allowed.

Myth?

More guesswork?

OWN, This depends on what type of matter the solid object is made from, or should I say it depends on how big the solid object is. But taking the general microscopic properties of matter into account the space of nothingness you refer to must be the spaces between the Nucleus and Electrons of the actual Atoms. Since Atoms are like little solar systems and the space of nothingness is bigger than the actual Nucleus and Electrons the statement is indeed a FACT. It is the forces between these interatomic particles that make an object seem solid.

The statement that by cutting the space between two objects in half and continuing to do so, the two objects will never actually touch is also true. But the two objects will get close enough to one another for all practical purposes.....

I still say "Myth".......because Matter is everything around you....not as many solids. Could also become Solids.

Some good stuff coming through here. Philip, you asked for a "kopkrapper" (head scratcher) .

.......

What an up-hill battle

Well, surely you don't want it too easy every time, mmmmmmm, Philip?

Any other science boffs with a try?

OWN is this your way to tell me I'm wrong..... Just for the record, I am no science Boff, it is just a mechanical engineers point of view on molecules, We only care about getting particles close enough for all practical purposes.

Philip, if you break the matter down into small enough pieces then you will get to a stage where you only have molecules. And taking the effect of inter molecular forces into account. The molecules don't actually touch as the electrons can still move about. That will only be possible if there is a empty space of nothingness within the matter.

Think of electrical current, Electrons move about in the "Solid" cable. This is only possible if there is enough space "nothingness" in the solid for them to move about. Sure it is not a highway without obstacles as there is a voltage drop.

and



Outstanding answer, DrPhil. You're IT.

DrPhil......what a answer, wow! Well done.

Thanks Guys,

Lets keep it a bit scientific,

Fact or Myth:

If you skip a rock on water, the water surface is not broken at the point where the rock bounces? Thus the rock stays dry until it stops skipping.....