Dance of the atoms: Clustering of atoms observed
Monday, June 10, 2013 - 12:01
in Physics & Chemistry
Lone people standing in a ballroom don’t tend to move a lot. It’s only when they find a suitable dance partner that rapid motion sets in. Atoms on iron-oxide surfaces behave in a similar way: Only with the right molecular partner do they dance across the surface. Scientists have now filmed the atoms, proving that carbon monoxide is the partner responsible for the quick motion.