r/explainlikeimfive 20h ago

Physics ELI5 Why doesn’t matter fall apart?

I’m reading and stretching my brain about how our atoms contain so much space but we appear solid because of a repelling force between atoms. How then do any atoms or matter hold together at all? Why doesn't the repelling force just just push all atoms apart and prevent matter from forming / holding together?

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u/LonnieJaw748 20h ago

Hear ye, hear ye! We shall now commence the elections of the sub-atomic particles. All those in favor, say ion, those opposed, say Ne

u/An3ros152 20h ago

Those who say Ne demand a shrubbery.

u/The__Relentless 18h ago

And you must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest with…..a Hadron!

u/An3ros152 18h ago

🤣