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Fundamental Forces

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• Why can't a sharp tool pry away electrons?

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Why can't a sharp tool pry away electrons?

Question

December 16, 2008

Why cannot a very sharp tool driven by a hammer be used to split or prise electrons away from an atom ? Is not this force sufficient ?

Sridhar - India

16967

Answer

Although a very sharp tool is able to cut common materials, examining its point under a microscope will show that its diameter is many atoms thick. Thus it with not be effective in breaking away electrons from an atom.

On the other hand, molecular forces like adhesion, which is used in static electricity will easily pry away electrons from a material.

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