Axon

Axi
Universe	Cosmere

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In the cosmere, axon (plural axi) is a word that either refers to the basic particles of chemical elements, or the more ambiguous concept of the smallest division of matter, both of which are fundamental building blocks of the Physical Realm. The latter definition might apply to subatomic particles or other types of entities, depending on the theoretical model espoused by the one using the word.

Nature

Axi are categorized into a variety of different elements, and are capable of binding into compounds that exhibit unique properties different from the constituent elements. These can be observed and identified via spectroscopy. One example of an element is oxygen. Axi are able to be bonded to one another through various fundamental forces, referred to as axial interconnection. These interaxial forces are fundamental to how the Physical Realm works. Furthermore, there is a force referred to as the Strong Axial Force, though its exact nature is currently unknown.

Axi themselves are constructed of smaller constituent particles that have not been named. There are various attractive forces which operate at the level of a single axon, holding it together.

Axi have their own polarity, which can be influenced by steelpushes under the right circumstances.

Axi are capable of being excited by the application of heat, which can facilitate a change in the state of matter of a collection of axi. Furthermore, when heated, Axi release energy as light. Each element and compound has a distinctive signature, represented by the wavelengths of light released by the heated axi. This allows for the identification of elements and compounds.

Chemical substances, constructed of axi, can be characterized by various traits such as acidity, wherein they are categorized as an acid or a base.

Axi, both individually and in compounds, tend to interact with other axi in various processes referred to as chemical reactions.

Matter-Energy-Investiture Equivalence

Matter, Energy, and Investiture are all categories of substance that can be converted between one another. This means that axi can be converted into energy or Investiture via various means. The amount of energy contained within axi is immense, enough so that even a fraction of a gram of matter creates an immense burst of energy. Larger quantities can make explosives that can potentially destroy entire cities.

It is possible to use Investiture in order to convert matter into energy, which is referred to as an "Invested matter-energy transference."

Axi have a negative form of themselves, which annihilate each other upon interaction, which releases the energy that made up the involved axi.

The energy that can be harnessed from axi can be exploited by nuclear reactors to produce a large amount of energy.

God Metals

When Investiture is turned into a solid, it and its axi typically take on metallic properties. The axi that make up these God Metals act strangely, not necessarily following the laws of physics as they are understood.

When used in spectroscopy, they release an entire spectrum of light, with one color reaching off the spectroscopic scale. Furthermore, they do not change in state based entirely off of temperature, like other elements.

Use in Roshar

The exact definition of axi among Rosharan scholars is uncertain, as it is unknown how modern their studies of "axial" physics are compared to their Yolish counterparts who are aware of subatomic particles, For example, it is unclear whether a typical Rosharan scholar would know the difference between fundamental particles, chemical elements, and molecules.

The word axi is used to describe the individual components of air that are aligned and packed together during the process of Soulcasting them. These axi are likely the various types of gas particles in the air, most of which are molecules consisting of two or more atoms.

In Surgebinding, the Surges of Cohesion and Tension are defined as being related to different types of axial interconnection, with Cohesion being the Surge of strong axial interconnection and Tension being the Surge of soft axial interconnection. This indicates that these Surges work on the bonds between axi.

Rosharan scholars have discovered the existence of negative axi, although the full extent of their knowledge upon them is not known.

Other Uses

Khriss, a Silverlight scholar from Taldain, mentions the strong axial force as one of the forces of natural physics.

Trivia

• The terms strong axial force and strong axial interconnection are reminiscent of the strong interaction in physics, responsible for the strong nuclear force between nucleons and the color force between quarks. None of this is directly related to the scientific concept of cohesion, which is more about the attraction between molecules of the same kind.

• Brandon has spoken about the nuclear forces and other fundamental forces being the inspiration behind the Surges. However, he also qualified this by saying that he was not actually using those specific forces exactly, but is rather using more fanciful ideas partially derived from the concept of fundamental forces. Thus, the similarity between Strong Axial Interconnection and the strong nuclear force might just be mostly in the name. This is likely the same for the soft axial interconnection and the weak nuclear force.

Notes

Footnotes

References

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