Certainly! Here are a few examples that illustrate the amount of "empty" space between atoms or objects:
Atomic Nuclei: In an atom, the nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons, is located at the center. The size of the atomic nucleus is on the order of femtometers (10^(-15) meters), while the size of the entire atom is typically on the order of angstroms (10^(-10) meters). This means that the vast majority of an atom's volume is empty space between the nucleus and the electrons.
Planetary Systems: If we scale up to larger objects, such as a planetary system, the "empty" space becomes even more apparent. For example, in our own solar system, the Sun is at the center, while planets like Earth, Mars, and Jupiter orbit around it. Despite the significant distances between the planets, the vast majority of the solar system is empty space, with the planets occupying a tiny fraction of the overall volume.
Atoms in a Solid: In a solid substance, such as a metal or a crystal lattice, the atoms are closely packed together. However, even in solids, there is considerable empty space between the atoms. This can be visualized by considering the structure of a crystal. The atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern, and the space between them is not filled with matter. Instead, it consists of gaps or voids. These voids contribute to the overall density of the material and can affect its physical properties.
Macroscopic Objects: When considering macroscopic objects like a table or a human body, the "empty" space between atoms becomes more pronounced. Atoms are incredibly small, and the distance between them is relatively large compared to their size. This means that even solid objects are predominantly composed of empty space. However, the electromagnetic forces between atoms and molecules give the appearance of solidity and prevent objects from passing through each other.
It's important to note that the concept of "empty" space can be somewhat misleading. While there may be vast distances between atoms or objects, these spaces are not truly empty but are filled with fields, such as the electromagnetic field, and potential for interaction. Nevertheless, the examples above demonstrate that a significant portion of the volume in atoms and objects is not occupied by matter.