Scientists have recorded how atoms connect and disconnect

The researchers explained that atoms constantly form bonds and break apart - a process that has

decisive in the universe.But because the actions occur on a tiny scale, they are difficult to study and record. Scientists from the University of Nottingham have for the first time managed to capture on video atoms forming and breaking bonds.

The group used transmission electronicmicroscopy (TEM) to image a pair of rhenium atoms when they formed bonds and disconnected from each other. Binding to each other, they formed a Re2 molecule.

“It was amazing to see how two atoms movein pairs, clearly indicating the connection between them, the scientists said. “It’s important to note that as Re2 moves down the nanotube, the bond length changes, indicating that the bond becomes stronger or weaker, depending on the environment around the atoms.”

Then the researchers recorded how the atomsmove away, stretching into a more elliptical shape and eventually breaking the connection between themselves. After a while, they again united into a Re2 molecule.

“As far as we know, we became the firstby scientists who filmed evolution, breaking, and bond formation on an atomic scale, the researchers added. “Now we are pushing the boundaries of the visualization of molecules, going beyond simple structural analysis and moving on to understanding the dynamics of individual molecules in real time.”