Single Idea 21208

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 4. Standard Model / c. Particle properties]

Full Idea

The picture of a particle spinning like a top is sometime useful, but it is not consistent with the idea of the electron being point-like. In fact there is no analogy for spin in non-quantum physics.

Gist of Idea

Eletrons don't literally 'spin', because they are point-like

Source

Brian R. Martin (Particle Physics [2011], 02)

Book Reference

Martin, Brian R.: 'Particle Physics' [One World 2011], p.29


A Reaction

If we take this stuff literally then it blow traditional metaphysics to bits, because an electron has properties without being a substance. In what sense can an electron 'have' properties if it is a point? In interactions they cease to be points. Eh?

Related Idea

Idea 20460 Electrons are not waves, because their collisions are at a point, and not spread out [Rovelli]