electron cloud/empty space?

[deleted-377454]

So keeping mind that the electron cloud being the probibility that an electron will be there that also means that there is a probibility an electron is not there in that case what is that space being occupied by?

[deleted-2131]

Hi jerafh,

These forums are specifically for students, parents, and teachers working on K-12 science fair projects. It sounds like your question is more of a general science question. So, a different set of online forums would be better able to help you. (But, if I'm misunderstanding your question, then feel free to share the hypothesis you are trying to test.)

That said, you are correct that there is a probability that an electron will be somewhere other than in its normal orbital. Atoms are actually mostly empty space. Even though something like a desk feels solid to you, the desk itself is almost entirely empty space. It feels solid because of the way that the different particles in those atoms interact with the particles in other atoms. You can read more about that here:

http://education.jlab.org/qa/how-much-o ... space.html
http://education.jlab.org/qa/atomicstructure_10.html

[deleted-377454]

Hi jerafh,

These forums are specifically for students, parents, and teachers working on K-12 science fair projects. It sounds like your question is more of a general science question. So, a different set of online forums would be better able to help you. (But, if I'm misunderstanding your question, then feel free to share the hypothesis you are trying to test.)

That said, you are correct that there is a probability that an electron will be somewhere other than in its normal orbital. Atoms are actually mostly empty space. Even though something like a desk feels solid to you, the desk itself is almost entirely empty space. It feels solid because of the way that the different particles in those atoms interact with the particles in other atoms. You can read more about that here:

http://education.jlab.org/qa/how-much-o ... space.html
http://education.jlab.org/qa/atomicstructure_10.html

thanks for the reply. I know I'm not doing a science project but I am trying to come up with a way to lessen somethings mass! many people say that "yes there is empty space but not really because of the electron cloud and quantum mechanics. but the theory made about there not being empty space in an atom also in a way says that there is a moment where a portion of the atom is not being occupied by an electron. so is that empty space a substance? a void? or a vacuum? and would it be possible to fit a small atom in the empty space of an atom with a wide electron orbit? if you were able to do such a thing without colliding the electrons or nucleus couldn't you alter its mass while keeping it as the same element?

I also have another question is it possible to create momentum in the vacuum of outer space by using the vacuum its self to quickly fill in a pocket on board a spacecraft causing a large piston like mass on board the craft to quickly be moved forward? I don't know how to describe it correctly so that probably did not make sense. but i have a theory on a non combustion rocket. and a space craft that can increase its speed exponentially.

[deleted-2131]

Hi jerafh,

Given your questions, the people on a different set of online forums will be better able to help you.