The 'quantum' principle that says why atoms are as they are
Briefly

The article discusses the evolution of atomic theory, emphasizing the critical discoveries made by scientists such as J. J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford, which revealed the complex subatomic structures of atoms. It highlights how these findings set the stage for the Pauli exclusion principle, established in 1925 by Wolfgang Pauli, a centerpiece of quantum mechanics that explains the stability of matter. The piece also reflects on the implications of this principle on the properties of materials, including electrical conductivity and melting temperatures, marking a significant moment in the century-long quest to understand atomic behavior.
The Pauli exclusion principle, formulated by Wolfgang Pauli, has become fundamental in explaining the stability and behavior of matter, as it governs the arrangement of electrons in atoms.
Physicists' quest to understand atomic structures and stability intensified after the discovery of electrons and atomic nuclei, culminating in the formulation of quantum mechanics.
As we celebrate a century of Pauli’s principle, it is essential to reflect on the historical journey of understanding atomic structures and their implications for diverse materials.
The variation in properties of materials, including conductivity and melting temperature, stems from the underlying quantum rules that govern electron arrangements as highlighted by the periodic table.
Read at Nature
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