Understanding the Concept of Empty Space in Atoms: A Journey Through Quantum Mechanics

When discussing the fundamental building blocks of matter, one often encounters the concept of empty space within atoms. This article delves into what remains if we were to remove all of the apparent empty space between particles of an atom, exploring the scientific intricacies of quantum mechanics and our current understanding of these subatomic particles.

The Truth Behind Empty Space in Atoms

Contrary to popular belief, there is no actual empty space within an atom, at least not in the way it was traditionally conceived. The electron, a fundamental particle of matter, is not a point-like particle but rather a wave function that occupies a region around the atom. The probability of finding an electron at a specific location is highest within a defined orbital—a region where the electron is most likely to be found. This means that the electron does not actually have a fixed position until it is measured.

Implications of Empty Space Removal

Were we to remove all particles in the universe, the result would be a perfect vacuum. In a perfect vacuum, there is no matter or even dark matter. However, theories suggest that quintessence (dark energy) may still exist. Despite the removal of particles, the concept of empty space within an atom still holds.

The Pauli Exclusion Principle and Neutron Degeneracy

One of the key principles in quantum mechanics is the Pauli Exclusion Principle. This principle dictates that no two electrons in a single atom can have the same set of quantum numbers, meaning no two electrons can occupy the same exact state. Waiving this principle would result in a significant breakdown of our understanding of chemistry, as we know it today.

Another scenario to consider is what would happen if gravity were to convert all matter into only neutrons. In such a case, the electrons and protons would collapse into a superdense substance with properties observed in many supernova remnants. This is only possible for stars larger than Chandrasekhar's limit, which are not typically found on Earth and can only be observed in space.

The Relativity of Atomic Size and Gravity

If we were to remove the apparent empty space from all atoms in the Earth, the Earth itself would be significantly smaller, roughly the size of an orange or a baseball. If the Earth were compressed to this size, it would no longer be viable, as it would be too massive to be contained by Earth's gravitational forces. Such conditions would result in a neutron planet, a hypothetical state where only neutrons exist, and protons and electrons cannot survive under those extreme pressures.

The acceleration due to gravity on such a massive, compressed object would be incredibly high—approximately 2000km/s2. This is so strong that jumping from a height of just 1 meter would result in immediate death.

The Energy Within Empty Space

Despite the perception of empty space, modern physics has revealed that the space between and within atoms is far from empty, as it is filled with a quantum field full of energy. This field is not only a source of potential for chemical reactions but also a manifestation of quintessence (dark energy).

The definition and understanding of empty space are thus closely tied to our understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of energy. As scientists continue to explore these phenomena, the answer to the question of what remains in the absence of particles may be more complex and fascinating than we initially thought.

Note: This is a thought experiment and not a real-world scenario. The practical realization of such conditions would lead to a wide array of physical and cosmological implications, many of which we are still far from understanding completely.