The atoms that constitute your body are mostly empty space and structure such as the chair youre sitting on are composed of atoms that are also mostly empty space So why dont you fall through?

Answer 1

I'm not sure...I would go with: the atoms in the chair are strong, so empty space is less important because of the weight distribution. Also, my guess would be that the empty space is mainly in an area that doesn't support your weight.

The newest theory to answer this is applied to "How do the stars and planets hang where they are?" See: Dark matter. It is believed now that it is dark matter that holds things together.

I was watching a show on National Geographic that mentioned atoms being mostly empty space. They asked this question but in the context of a batter hitting a ball. The nucleus of an atom is enveloped by electrons which repel other electrons. They also said that because of this, nothing can actually ever touch: there is always a slight gap between objects. The sensation of touch is actually you feeling the repulsion of the electrons.

EDIT: From what I understand the ratio of empty space to solid space between the nucleus of an atom and it's electron is almost an exact ratio in size and distance of the Earth to the Sun. The electron's rotation is what keeps two objects separate. However, if something were vibrating at an entirely different frequency from another thing, it would be capable of passing right through it. The speed of the electron is so extreme that even light is reflected off of it's surface making an object appear to be solid. There are many theories involving alternate dimensions and realities that vibrate on other frequency ranges, exist at the same time and place as we do, but never affect our reality.

Answer 2

The reason you don't fall through the chair is due to electromagnetic forces between the electrons in your body and the electrons in the chair. These forces repel each other, creating a "solid" feeling. Though atoms are mostly empty space, the electromagnetic forces keep particles from passing through one another.

Answer 3

The atoms in a solid are tight and closely compacted together. They aren't liquid, whose atoms are looser than atoms in a solid; nor are they a gas, whose atoms are a LOT looser and spacious.

Answer 4

That is because of electrical forces between the atoms.