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If 99% of an atom empty, and if we say that our body is made of atoms stacked together, then why is our body a solid object, rather than 99% hollow.

I have one probable answer that I think might be correct. Referring to the image belowenter image description here

The one on the left (bigger circles) have 99% of the space empty. Now if we reduce the size of circle, then even though the space is 99% empty, but the overall empty space is very less (compared to bigger circle).

If we take this to an atomic level, then the size of the atom is so slow, that we can imagine a small dot in the center, surrounded by very small empty circular space, and then another atom stacked next to it. Now, the 'empty circular' space is so small, that for all practical purposes we can assume the two centers of circles to be next to each other. And hence our body (or any solid body) does not seem empty.

But then, why doesnt light pass through a solid body. Even though the empty space is very less, there still is empty space right? Is it that the size of photon is much bigger than the size of an atom and hence it is unable to pass through that empty space?

I understand that I am not taking into consideration the inter atomic forces, but even if two atoms were very tightly bonded to one another, there will still be some empty space between them (as described in the diagram).

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  • $\begingroup$ Kinda... But the atom isn't completely empty $\endgroup$
    – Jimmy360
    Commented Jun 9, 2015 at 14:43
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    $\begingroup$ No. This is a major misconception based on a naive particle picture. See this thread for further input: physics.stackexchange.com/q/126512 $\endgroup$
    – Martin
    Commented Jun 9, 2015 at 14:47
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    $\begingroup$ This "but still there'a nucleus and then electrons orbiting the nucleus" is more wrong than right. The electrons are not little balls and they are not in orbit. They are quantum object which exist in space-filling orbitals (quantum states). The atom isn't empty except in school books. $\endgroup$
    – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten
    Commented Jun 9, 2015 at 14:48
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    $\begingroup$ @igael: no, that isn't true. The matter/energy making up the electrons is distributed continuously through the atom. $\endgroup$
    – John Rennie
    Commented Jun 9, 2015 at 15:08
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    $\begingroup$ @igael: the highly misleading popular physics image is exactly why we keep getting questions like this. You are doing the world no favours by attempting to perpetuate an analogy that is seriously flawed. $\endgroup$
    – John Rennie
    Commented Jun 9, 2015 at 15:19

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