an atom engages in an internal tug of war

Tags: atoms

An example of metaphor and anthropomorphism in popular science writing

"Together, these contrasting electrical charges mean an atom is constantly engaged in an internal tug of war, trying to acheive balance between competing forces – much as humans do in our own heads."

Dr Camilla Pang

Camilla Pang (2020) Explaining Humans. What science can teach us about life, love and relationships. Viking

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.