Is it possible to capture (contain?) and electron?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of capturing an electron and its relationship to its rest mass and momentum. It is mentioned that electrons can be trapped in Penning traps, but they are still subject to zero-point fluctuations. The concept of capturing an electron is compared to capturing a proton.
  • #1
ChmDudeCB
36
0
Not sure if this question belongs in particle physics but I figured it was a good place to start.

I've been having an on going discussion about the nature of the electron and came to the question, can an electron literally be captured? IE can you slow a free electron to the point that its position can always be determined? Can an electron be stopped?

I don't know that it can, but it's always nice to be wrong.

Furthermore, is there a relation between electron rest mass and its momentum in a basic hydrogen atom (1s)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
We can trap electrons in so called Penning traps (same principle as ion traps) where they are for all practical purposes still.
But electrons are -of course- subject to the same zero-point fluctuations etc as everything else.
 
  • #3
So one can more or less capture and electron as one can a proton?
 

FAQ: Is it possible to capture (contain?) and electron?

Can electrons be captured or contained?

Yes, electrons can be captured or contained through various methods such as in an electric field or by using special materials.

How do scientists capture electrons?

Scientists can capture electrons by using devices called particle accelerators, which use strong magnetic fields to trap and redirect electrons.

Can electrons escape from their containment?

In theory, electrons can escape from their containment through quantum tunneling, but this is a very rare occurrence and is not usually a concern in everyday applications.

What are some practical applications of capturing electrons?

Capturing electrons is essential in many modern technologies such as in electronics, medical imaging, and nuclear power generation.

Are there any risks associated with capturing electrons?

There can be some risks associated with capturing electrons, such as radiation exposure from the high-energy particles used in particle accelerators. However, these risks are carefully managed and controlled in scientific research and industrial applications.

Similar threads

I About the position of electrons (uncertainty)
Replies
6
Views
2K
I The electron is not point-like?
Replies
21
Views
2K
I Orbitals and selection rules in a synchrotron
Replies
18
Views
2K
How Much Energy is Released When a Uranium Nucleus Captures an Electron?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Chemistry: Electron Configurations & Reactivity
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Life of free electrons in space
Replies
2
Views
3K
A Conservation of angular momentum in positron-electron annihilation
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Are all processes CPT symmetric like measurement, stimulated emission?
Replies
8
Views
1K
In what sense do within-H-atom electrons "move" at ~1/137c?
Replies
19
Views
2K
I Help to understand the wave function for atom (gas)
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top