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Concept

Pauli exclusion principle

A geometric representation of the Pauli exclusion principle, featuring a central sphere connected to six smaller spheres by lines, set against a gradient background with a subtle cloud-like effect.

A rule of quantum mechanics, formulated by Wolfgang Pauli in 1925, stating that no two identical fermions — electrons, protons, neutrons and their kin — can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. It is the reason atoms have shell structure rather than collapsing into their ground state, the reason chemistry exists, and the reason a kilogram of lead does not shrink to the size of a pinhead under its own gravity.

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