Before the energy was low enough for electrons to join with the protons, the neutrons did. I just attended a very informative lecture on the early universe. The neutrons and protons formed hydrogen and helium ions, then the electrons joined the ions when the energy (re: temperature) was lower a little bit later.

The only way for an electron to crash into a proton would be a head-on collision. That might've happened, albeit VERY rarely.

As I understand it, as an electron gets closer to the nucleus, it releases quanta of energy. Otherwise it stays the same distance from the nucleus. This rules out the possibility that some electrons hit the nuclei at an angle which seems like the orbit should quicky decay.

Also, this might be where the wave/cloud nature of leptons kicks in.

• Alright, I dig that. - richard - November 2, 2000 - 21:08 UTC