Quantum Physics: Atoms And Ions

While the mention of quantum physics is fairly likely to intimidate or confuse many people, many adult Americans are already familiar with its most simple concepts.  Even the basic, conventional models of the atom, as well as the conventional explanation of electricity, involve quantum physics, though the words "quantum physics" and "electricity" are not typically spoken of in direction connection with each other.  Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand the basic components of an atom to have a solid comprehension of contemporary ideas concerning quantum physics.

All scientific explanations of natural phenomena are speculative at best and are subject to possible spontaneous revision, as only the laws of logic, not scientific laws, are universal and inviolable by nature.  There is still great benefit, though, to becoming thoroughly familiar with scientific models simply because of the convenience such information allows for in daily life [1], and this is certainly true of the foundational physics of atoms.  The very electricity that many people use on a daily basis is associated with the fundamental components of atoms, which by definition are in the domain of quantum physics.

The standard conception of atoms regards them as minute particles that contain a variety of subatomic particles which carry their own respective charges: atoms contain electrons (which carry a negative charge), protons (which carry a positive charge), and neutrons (which carry no charge).  Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, or center, of an atom, while electrons remain at a distance from the center; they orbit the nucleus in fixed loops according to the Bohr model and orbit in fairly unpredictable patterns according to the electron cloud model, the latter of which is regarded as an improvement over the former.  These are the two common models of the atom, which are featured in many educational materials that many people are exposed to throughout their lives.

Of course, there is more to basic quantum physics than the mere makeup of atoms.  If an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes what is termed an ion.  The exact type of ion it becomes depends on whether it gains or loses electrons.  Electrically neutral atoms (which feature an equal number of protons and electrons) that lose electrons obtain a positive charge and are called cations, while atoms that gain electrons obtain a negative charge and are called anions.  The movement of electrons can be manipulated and exploited for a variety of purposes, ranging from electrical heating to the powering of portable devices.

Anyone who understands even this much about contemporary atomic science is familiar with several foundational aspects of quantum physics.  No one needs to regard a scientific concept with the word "quantum" before it as something too challenging to be grasped by the average person.  Before one can explore the notion of an electron appearing in two places simultaneously [2], one must understand what an electron even is within the framework of modern science.  Fortunately, many people have already been exposed to this information, at least to some extent.  Quantum physics is not as foreign as some might think!


[1].  https://thechristianrationalist.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-value-of-scientific-awareness.html

[2].  https://thechristianrationalist.blogspot.com/2018/08/why-cant-i-be-in-two-places.html