KERNEL: Matter

KERNAL: Matter
Primary Source: Richard Feynman


The kernel on matter presents the atomic thesis, simplified atomic structure, and the electron basis of chemistry, along with basic vocabulary pertaining to matter.

Richard Feynman's Single Sentence Approach is the thought experiment and formulation which inspired the kernel approach to the Missive Project.

It presents the atomic thesis, and with it, arguably enough information to provide a framework and starting point for much or even all further exploration. Once started upon the path, future investigators could unfold this statement - via experimentation - to reproduce all of the physical sciences.

Not being restricted to one sentence, more useful information can be added. The trick is finding the right amount; enough to lay a foundation for other kernels (such as chemistry), without becoming bogged down in detail or worse, encouraging dogma on the receiving end.

Original Formulation (excerpted from Richard  Feynman's Lecture)

...All things are made of atoms—little particles that move around in perpetual motion, attracting each other when they are a little distance apart, but repelling upon being squeezed into one another.

ChatGPT

The atomic thesis states that everything is made of tiny particles called atoms that are in constant motion and this motion manifests as heat and energy in physical objects. The atoms bond together to form molecules, which are the building blocks of all things in the universe.

Energy is a property that allows matter to do work. It is a measure of an object's ability to cause change, or to produce an effect. Energy can take different forms, such as heat, light, or motion, and can be transferred between objects, atoms, or molecules. Energy can also be stored within matter, such as in chemical bonds or in the movement of electrons within an atom, and can be released or absorbed as matter undergoes changes, such as bonding or breaking apart, or as electrons move to higher or lower energy levels.

Matter is the physical material that makes up everything around us. It is made up of atoms and molecules, which are combinations of two or more atoms. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and they can bond together to form molecules. Matter can exist in different states depending on the amount of energy present, such as solid, liquid, or gas.

Information is a collection of data, facts, or ideas that can be processed, interpreted, and communicated to convey meaning or understanding. It is a fundamental aspect of the universe, playing a key role in fields such as physics, computer science, and biology. Information can be transmitted through various forms such as electrical signals, electromagnetic radiation, or written words and can be used to control and regulate physical processes, including those of atoms and molecules.

Photons are particles of light that carry energy. They interact with atoms by transferring their energy to electrons, causing the electrons to move to higher energy levels. Photons can be produced by the movement of electrons within atoms, and they can also be absorbed by atoms, causing electrons to transition to lower energy levels. Photons play an important role in many natural processes, including photosynthesis, vision, and the emission of light from stars and other celestial objects.

Certainly, here's a restatement incorporating the additional principles you mentioned:

• All things are made of atoms - tiny particles in constant motion that manifests as heat and energy.
• 
  
• Atoms are composed of protons (positively charged), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (negatively charged). The protons and neutrons form the nucleus, with electrons in orbits around the nucleus.
• 
  
• Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus and can gain or lose energy, affecting the chemical properties of the atom.
• 
  
• Atoms can bond together to form molecules by sharing electrons, and different arrangements of electrons result in different chemical properties.
• 
  
• Atoms can participate in chemical reactions, involving the formation and breaking of bonds, leading to the creation of new molecules with different properties.

The statement appears to cover the fundamental concepts of the atomic thesis quite well. However, some additional points that could be considered for inclusion are:

• The concept of isotopes, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
• 
  
• The relationship between the mass of an atom and its constituent particles.
• 
  
• The role of the electron configuration in determining the chemical properties of an atom.
• 
  
• The concept of ionization, which is the process of removing or adding electrons to an atom.
• 
  
• The behavior of atoms in a chemical reaction, including the formation and breaking of bonds.
• 
  
• The relationship between the atomic structure of a substance and its physical properties, such as density and melting point.
• 
  
• The contribution of atomic theory to our understanding of the physical world, including the development of technologies such as nuclear power and modern electronics.

Most of those are at beyond the present scope of intent. However 3 - 5 might fit in. Could you state these principles in a manner similar to this text?

• Certainly, here's a restatement incorporating the additional principles you mentioned:
• 
  
• All things are made of atoms - tiny particles in constant motion that manifests as heat and energy.
• 
  
• Atoms are composed of protons (positively charged), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (negatively charged). The protons and neutrons form the nucleus, with electrons in orbits around the nucleus.
• 
  
• Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus and can gain or lose energy, affecting the chemical properties of the atom.
• 
  
• Atoms can bond together to form molecules by sharing electrons, and different arrangements of electrons result in different chemical properties.
• 
  
• Atoms can participate in chemical reactions, involving the formation and breaking of bonds, leading to the creation of new molecules with different properties.

Reformulation (draft) + Expansion for Chemistry

1. Matter

All things are made of atoms

tiny particles in constant motion

which manifests as heat and energy

So small are they

if one's fist were the size of the earth

each of its atoms would be the size of a fist

to observe is to exchange energy

to observe is to change

All atoms are composed of three parts

protons with positive charge

neutrons with no charge

electrons with negative charge

Opposite charges attract

Like charges repel

Protons and neutrons

strongly bound

form the nucleus

the heart of each atom

Electrons tend about the nucleus

within specific layered fields 

pop in and out of being

according to number

according to energy

to increase a layer is to absorb energy

to decrease a layer is to release energy

By shared electrons do elements 

bond and release

to form molecules

and dissolve them again

Electrons can detach from atoms

to flow with impetus

able to perform work

Power to do work

is proportional

to impetus times flow

Atoms can bond together to form molecules

by sharing electrons

Matter 

all things physical

may appear in states

according to energy present

of solid

of liquid

of gas

Elements are the kinds of atom

not be reducible by simple means

known by count of proton

nuanced by count of neutron

Elements may be ordered in families 

according to count of protons

according to similar character

according to electrons

Compounds are the kinds of molecules

reducible to elements

by reaction with other molecules

by sufficient increase of energy

 

Mixtures are diverse

and may be sorted

into compound

into elements

If you would know

know them in their workings

know them in their uses

know their dangers

know beyond what is written here

follow the Way of Knowing