Would there be attraction or repulsion between a proton and an electron?

Protons have a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge. The charge on the proton and electron are exactly the same size but opposite. Since opposite charges attract, protons and electrons attract each other.

How do photons cause attraction?

Since the wave is everywhere, the photon can be created by one particle and absorbed by the other, no matter where they are. If the momentum transferred by the wave points in the direction from the receiving particle to the emitting one, the effect is that of an attractive force.

Are photons and electrons attracted to each other?

Ordinarily, photons—particles of light—don’t interact with each other. Ordinary matter primarily interacts via the electromagnetic force: electrons repel each other and are attracted to protons, thanks to their electrical charges. Photons, on the other hand, are both electrically neutral and massless in free space.

Is proton proton attractive or repulsive?

The protons in a nucleus have two forces to contend with, the electromagnetic force which is repulsive as you suggest, and also the strong nucleon-nucleon force which is not only attractive but also much stronger than the other.

What happens if an electron is near a proton?

When a proton and an electron collide, it’s called an electron capture. Electron capture is one of two processes in which a neutron is produced. The other process is a beta decay.

How do particles attract?

By an intermolecular force known as the intermolecular force of attraction, particles of matter are attracted to one another. In the three states of matter, the intermolecular force of attraction varies. It is highest in solids, that is why they are strong and thus do not alter their structure.

What are photons attracted to?

Anything with a mass-energy and/or momentum will affect a photon according to the general theory of relativity. The photon is its own antiparticle — an anti-photon is the same as a photon. To be trapped in the sense we normally use it, the particle should experience a force or potential energy.

Why do electrons exchange photons?

Electrons exchange virtual photons. Note that they will be sending out and absorbing other virtual photons in every direction. In the same way, the electromagnetic force is carried by particles called virtual photons. Two negatively charged electrons will exchange these virtual photons and push each other apart.