3 wonders of the universe, explained | Michelle Thaller | Big Think

Big Think9 minutes read

Electrons around an atom exist as waves in volumes called orbitals, shaped like dumbbells or discs where the probability of finding electrons is high. The Big Bang was not an explosion of matter but an expansion of space, with galaxies moving away from each other due to space expanding, and the speed of light is unique as nothing with mass can reach it, affecting time, space, and mass.

Insights

  • Electrons in an atom exist as waves filling volumes known as orbitals, not following planetary-like orbits; these orbitals can take shapes like dumbbells or discs.
  • The Big Bang was not a matter explosion but an expansion of space, causing galaxies to move away from each other; the universe lacks an empty center, with galaxies observed in all directions due to space expansion.

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Recent questions

  • How do electrons behave around an atom?

    Electrons exist as waves in orbitals around an atom, not in orbits like planets around a star.

  • What are electron shells in an atom?

    Electron shells are not physical structures; electrons fill the entire shell simultaneously.

  • How are galaxies moving in the universe?

    Galaxies move away from each other due to the expansion of space itself.

  • What is the unique characteristic of the speed of light?

    Nothing with mass can reach the speed of light; time slows down, space contracts, and mass increases as objects approach it.

  • What is the depiction of electrons moving around a nucleus inaccurate?

    Electrons form volumes around an atom, some even passing through the nucleus, unlike planets orbiting a star.

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Summary

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Electrons, Orbitals, Shells, Galaxies, Light: Summary

  • Electrons around an atom are not in orbits like planets around a star; they exist as waves and fill volumes called orbitals.
  • These orbitals can be shaped like dumbbells or discs, representing where the probability of finding an electron is around an atom.
  • Electron shells are not physical structures where electrons move; instead, electrons fill the entire shell simultaneously.
  • The depiction of electrons moving around a nucleus like planets is inaccurate; electrons form volumes, some even going through the nucleus.
  • The Big Bang was not an explosion of matter but an expansion of space itself, with galaxies moving away from each other due to space expanding.
  • The universe does not have an empty center, and galaxies are observed in all directions, indicating the expansion of space.
  • The speed of light is unique as nothing with mass can reach it; as objects approach the speed of light, time slows down, and space contracts, with mass increasing due to energy.
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