- #1
phy_freak
- 32
- 0
particles like protons and maybe photons, they are always spherical why? do they create a gravitational field?
SirBerr said:I think they are drawn spherically just so we have something to picture. Remember that protons are actually made up of quarks so they probably aren't spherical, it's a simplification.
jetwaterluffy said:Who said they were? Photons aren't really particles, though, and if they are, they are points, rather than spheres.
Pengwuino said:This is not true at all. Photons are best described as traveling waves.
Pengwuino said:This is not true at all. Photons are best described as traveling waves.
DaveC426913 said:This is not true at all that this is not true at all.
Photons are best described as whichever model (particle or wave) best suits the need at-hand. Sometimes it makes more sense to imagine a photon as a particle. And considering the OP's question, clearly he is asking about examples where they are described or illustrated as particles.
The spherical shape of small particles is a result of surface tension and energy minimization. As particles become smaller, their surface area to volume ratio increases, causing surface tension to dominate and pull the particle into a spherical shape. This shape minimizes the surface energy of the particle, making it more stable.
No, not all small particles exhibit spherical shapes. The spherical shape is the most energetically favorable for small particles, but other factors such as surface chemistry and external forces can also influence the shape of small particles.
Particles can deviate from a spherical shape due to external forces such as magnetic or electric fields, or interactions with other particles. Surface chemistry and surface roughness can also play a role in causing particles to deviate from a perfect spherical shape.
Yes, particles can change their shape over time due to various factors such as environmental conditions, external forces, and particle-particle interactions. However, for small particles, the spherical shape tends to be the most stable and enduring.
Yes, there are exceptions to this rule. Some small particles, such as nanowires and nanotubes, can have non-spherical shapes due to their unique structures and chemical makeup. These particles may have different surface energy considerations and may not be subject to surface tension forces like traditional small particles.