Brian Cox explain Pauli exclusion principle

In summary, Brian Cox talks about the Pauli exclusion principle which states that no electron can be in the same energy state. This applies not only to atoms and molecules, but also to the entire universe. He demonstrates this by warming up a diamond in his hands, and explains how every electron in the universe must "communicate" to ensure that no two electrons have the same energy state. This topic has been previously discussed on a forum.
  • #1
haagone
2
0
Watching Brian Cox "BBC - Professor.Brian.Cox.A.Night.With.The.Stars - 2011"

After 34 min he starts to talk about Pauli exclusion principle

No electron can be in the same energy state he says. This is not just true for an atom
a molecule or the diamond he is showing. No this goes for the whole universe

When he warms the diamond up in his hands EVERY electron in the whole universe must "communicate" with each other to make shure no electron have same energy state

I just can't believe this is true. What are your thought about this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3

FAQ: Brian Cox explain Pauli exclusion principle

1. What is the Pauli Exclusion Principle?

The Pauli Exclusion Principle is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that states that no two identical fermions (particles with half-integer spin) can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. This means that in a system, two electrons cannot have the same set of quantum numbers, such as energy level, spin, and orbital angular momentum.

2. Who is Brian Cox?

Brian Cox is a British physicist, professor, and television presenter known for his work in particle physics and cosmology. He is a professor at the University of Manchester and a researcher at the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. He is also a popular science communicator, hosting various TV shows and giving public lectures on physics and astronomy.

3. How did Pauli discover the exclusion principle?

The Pauli Exclusion Principle was first proposed by Austrian physicist Wolfgang Pauli in 1925. He was studying the atomic structure and observed that certain elements had very similar spectra, leading him to theorize that electrons must have an additional quantum number, which we now know as spin. This led to the principle that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers, providing a better understanding of electron configurations in atoms.

4. Why is the Pauli Exclusion Principle important?

The Pauli Exclusion Principle is crucial in understanding the behavior of matter on a microscopic level. It explains why atoms are stable, why electrons arrange themselves in specific orbitals, and why matter takes up space. It also allows us to predict and understand the properties of different elements and how they interact with each other.

5. How does the Pauli Exclusion Principle apply to real-life situations?

The Pauli Exclusion Principle can be seen in various real-life situations. For example, it explains the stability of matter and the structure of the periodic table. It also plays a role in chemical bonding, as the principle restricts the number of electrons that can occupy a certain energy level in an atom. Additionally, it is essential in understanding the properties of neutron stars and white dwarfs, where the gravity is so strong that electrons are forced into the same quantum state, making the stars incredibly dense and stable.

Similar threads

I Two hydrogen atoms and Pauli's exclusion principle
Replies
17
Views
2K
I Pauli exclusion principle and Hermitian operators
Replies
15
Views
2K
A How can a 'Principle' produce a 'Force'?
Replies
12
Views
1K
I How does the Pauli exclusion principle work?
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Bypassing Pauli Exclusion principle.
Replies
3
Views
973
Electrons, Muons and Pauli Exclusion
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Pauli exclusion principle explained
Replies
2
Views
1K
Pauli exclusion principle at distance
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Pauli Exclusion Principle: Quantum Coherence & Range
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Who will win -- Pauli or Einstein?
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top