You are here:

Astronomy/Why can we not imagine that?

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/25/2011


Question
The book "A brief history of nearly everything" by American author Bill Bryson discussed the fact that atoms are extremely long-lived and will be "recycled".

Why can we not imagine that any atoms from a deceased person are reused in another person?

Answer
Sure, there probably are... just like we drink the same water that the dinosaurs were drinking some 100 million years ago. But we don't turn "into" dinosaurs drinking water, because individual atoms and molecules have no memory. (A molecule of water is a molecule of water; they are all the same).
And neither do the chemical atoms of our bodies either. Remember, we're just living bags of mostly water, with a few elements of iron, calcium, and a few other trace elements... which have no memory either.
Clear Skies,
Tom  

Astronomy

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.