Chapter 395: The Unwavering Laws Governing All Things, from the Vast Stars to the Minute Elements!
Anthony was utterly perplexed. Yet, faced with undeniable facts, he could only speculate that the particles' speed was too swift, instantly piercing the elements, enabling them to pass unimpeded through the positively and negatively charged electron-filled elements.
Alternatively, these alpha particles might have been incredibly fortunate, navigating through the delicate gaps between atoms.
Anthony mulled over these possibilities. However, in the next instant, these speculations dissipated into thin air. Above the circular detection screen, a barely perceptible dot lit up, indicating that an alpha particle had indeed been disrupted, deviating from its trajectory as he had previously conjectured.
"It seems my dispersed elemental model is correct," proclaimed a grand wizard, rather pleased with himself.
Since positive and negative electrons attract each other while repelling similar charges, he surmised that the electrons within the elements weren't tightly bound but instead existed as pairs of opposing charges, scattered and dispersed.
The assembled members of parliament nodded in unison. Across the region directly opposite the perforation in the lead box, a densely concentrated, dazzling point had formed. Only a handful of alpha particles had been repelled elsewhere, affirming the spaciousness within the elements.
However, they swiftly realized this model was not entirely accurate. Some alpha particles, upon striking gold elements, rebounded 180 degrees, almost retracing their paths. Moreover, these diverted particles congregated around the central part of the atom, their scattering displaying a discernible pattern. According to the existing theories of a dozen or so elemental models, this peculiar phenomenon was utterly inexplicable.
Lynn's face bore an expression of understanding; the results of the experiment didn't deviate from his expectations. This signified that the atomic structures of both worlds were identical, unaffected by any unknown changes due to magical influences.
Seated at the conference table, Victorio wore a grave expression. Comprehending the pattern of fluorescence, he mentally constructed corresponding models, swiftly calculating the angles at which each particle had been diverted!
"The central part of the element should contain an incredibly small yet immensely powerful core. It appears that only those alpha particles colliding with this core are rebounded, while the rest can pass through unhindered," suddenly interjected Victorio.Anthony and the others immediately grasped the implication; only this explanation could make sense of the peculiar distribution of particle scattering.
"Indeed, I dub it the atomic nucleus," Lynn's voice resonated simultaneously in everyone's ears.
"The atomic nucleus? The core of an atom?" murmured the assembled parliamentarians.
"This is the elemental model I've constructed!" Lynn raised his hand, conjuring several magical orbs. The largest orb positioned itself at the center, while the rest orbited it ceaselessly at high speed.
"Isn't this akin to a depiction of a galaxy?" exclaimed Aurora in astonishment.
The atomic nucleus resembled a sun, with the orbiting electrons akin to planets. According to Lynn's demonstration, these 'electrons' were even rotating on their axes, creating a miniature solar system!
"Indeed!" Lynn nodded, knowing that without a foundation in quantum theory, he wasn't eager to present the significantly more complex electron cloud theory. After all, understanding it was exceedingly challenging. Thus, he resorted to a relatively comprehensible planetary orbit model to explain everything.
"Stars can bind planets due to their extraordinary mass-induced gravity. But what binds these electrons to the atomic nucleus? Could it also be gravity?" Harof inquired, perplexed by the trajectories of the repelled alpha particles, which seemed indicative of a repulsive force.
"The substance within the atomic nucleus carries a positive charge, while the orbiting electrons possess a negative charge. Hence, they attract each other. However, this attraction reaches a balance with the electrons' velocity, somewhat resembling gravity…" Lynn explained as succinctly as possible.
In reality, the probabilistic cloud theory would more easily explain this phenomenon, but explaining quantum theory first was necessary.
"However, this balance can be disrupted. If enough energy is absorbed, these orbiting electrons will ascend to other orbits…" Lynn continued, likening it to gravity – just as a planet under sudden acceleration would break free from its original orbit.
Due to the incessant promotion in the Magic Daily, the law of universal gravitation was widely known among wizards. Even those uninterested in field magic had a basic understanding of the three laws governing celestial orbits, making comprehension relatively straightforward.
"So, this is what the laser magic calls energy levels?" murmured Aurora. When Lynn had been refining laser magic, he had mentioned this concept.
At that time, she had been highly intrigued by this energy level phenomenon but hadn't had enough time to grasp its principles. Now, Lynn's elucidation of the elemental structure helped her understand. The five levels corresponded to the five orbits of electrons around the nucleus. The more energy absorbed, the more the orbiting electrons would transition to outer orbits.
The potency of laser magic lay in its direct targeting of an element's essence. No wonder its power could cut through metals and split colossal warships like paper.
"Why are there only five energy levels? What happens if these orbiting electrons absorb energy beyond this limit?" Suddenly struck by this question, Aurora curiously inquired.
"Then they will break free from the atomic nucleus's constraints and become free electrons – that's the element's plasma state!" Lynn chuckled, explaining, "It's akin to a planet suddenly gaining extraordinary speed, breaking free from a star's gravitational hold and hurtling into the vast universe."
"Ah, I see!" Aurora exclaimed, enlightened.
This planetary orbit-style elemental model nearly perfectly explained the formation of plasma, the principles of laser magic, and the scattering issues of alpha particles.
More importantly, it was elegant, highly systematic, and entirely aligned with the wizards' conceptualizations of elements!
"What a rigorous and remarkable concept!" Harof praised. He then mused, "I never imagined that the interior of elements would reveal a scene reminiscent of a celestial body…"
The unyielding laws governing all things, from stars to the internal structures of elements, highlighted the similarity that might be the embodiment of the world's operating principles!
Anthony, Adela, and other wizards who proposed elemental models stared at Lynn's celestial orbit-style elemental construction, sighing in admiration. Compared to Lynn's model, theirs seemed utterly inadequate..
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