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Complete Measurement of Molecular Breakup

Posted by michael on from the it's-hard-to-do dept.

Suidae writes "PhysicsWeb is reporting that physicists have made a 'complete' measurement of the break-up of a molecule for the first time. Reinhard Dörner of the University of Frankfurt and co-workers in Germany, the US, Australia and Spain recorded the two electrons and two nuclei that were released when a single photon split a molecule of deuterium into its basic components. The experiment could lead to a better understanding of many physical and chemical processes through improved knowledge of the quantum dynamics of many-particle systems."

3 of 32 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Confusing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    No, it actually says that there were 2 electrons and 2 nuclei produced. Each deuterium has a nucleus (proton + neutron) and an electron.

    If the neutron had been converted into an electron and a proton like you imply above, we would have been talking about a subnuclear reaction or something and it would have taken a lot more than 75.5 eV.

  2. Re:Confusing by Otter · · Score: 2, Insightful

    No, you're still not getting it! The molecule contains two nuclei bound by whatever interaction of the two electrons. The photon removes the electrons and the two nuclei, each of which is positively charged, fly apart.

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  3. Confused by your confusion by mcmonkey · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Why do you think this has the worst writeup ever?

    A photon is used to break apart a molecule. Measurments are made; stuff might be learnt.

    It's actually a pretty good summary, especally by /. standards.