Atomic Scale Dynamics
Atomic Scale Dynamics - Related Videos
04:56
High-Speed Time-Lapse Atomic Force Microscopy to Capture Nucleosome Dynamics
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2025
In this video, we demonstrate high-speed time-lapse atomic force microscopy, AFM, imaging techniques to study the dynamics of nucleosome complexes. As the AFM tip scans across the surface of the nucleosome, it detects alterations in the nucleosome height and records the DNA unwrapping over time.
14:55
Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Cited by 3 •
2017
Structures of supramolecular protein assemblies at atomic resolution are of high relevance because of their crucial roles in a variety of biological phenomena. Herein, we present a protocol to perform high-resolution structural studies on insoluble and non-crystalline macromolecular protein assemblies by magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS SSNMR).
01:52
Atomic Mass
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2020
Atoms — and the protons, neutrons, and electrons that compose them — are extremely small. For example, a carbon atom weighs less than 2 × 10−23 g. When describing the properties of tiny objects such as atoms, we use appropriately small units of measure, such as the atomic mass unit (amu). The amu was originally defined based on hydrogen, the lightest element, then later in terms of oxygen. Since 1961, it has been defined with regard to the most abundant isotope of carbon, atoms of which are...
02:44
Atomic Orbitals
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2020
An atomic orbital represents the three-dimensional regions in an atom where an electron has the highest probability to reside. The radial distribution function indicates the total probability of finding an electron within the thin shell at a distance r from the nucleus. The atomic orbitals have distinct shapes which are determined by l, the angular momentum quantum number. The orbitals are often drawn with a boundary surface, enclosing densest regions of the cloud. The angular momentum...
03:24
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
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2020
The mathematical expression known as the wave function, ψ, contains information about each orbital and the wavelike properties of electrons in an isolated atom. When atoms are bound together in a molecule, the wave functions combine to produce new mathematical descriptions that have different shapes. This process of combining the wave functions for atomic orbitals is called hybridization and is mathematically accomplished by the linear combination of atomic orbitals. The new orbitals that...
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Interatomic forces determine how atoms interact, while thermal energy supplies the energy needed for vibration, diffusion, and rearrangement. Their balance influences whether atoms remain near preferred positions or move into new local configurations. In engineering materials, this balance helps explain why structural changes occur under different conditions and how those changes affect material behavior.
Atomic motion can appear differently depending on the length and time scale being examined. Small-scale observations reveal changes in neighboring atoms, bonding, and local structure, while longer or broader observations can show diffusion, defect development, or phase transformation. Matching the analysis scale to the process helps connect atomic behavior with measurable engineering performance.
Changes in atomic positions, bonding, and local structure can indicate that a material is rearranging rather than simply vibrating around an existing configuration. These changes provide evidence of processes such as defect formation, diffusion, or phase transformation. Interpreting them together helps distinguish temporary atomic motion from changes that alter the material’s structure and response.
An investigation can track how atomic positions, bonding, and local structure change over time. The resulting patterns are interpreted in relation to characteristic length and time scales, thermal energy, and interatomic forces. This approach connects microscopic motion with processes such as diffusion, defect development, phase transformation, mechanical response, or material degradation.
Atomic-scale analysis can clarify how defects form, how atoms diffuse, and how phases transform. It also supports interpretation of mechanical response and material degradation by linking those outcomes to changes in atomic positions and local structure. These insights help engineers identify the microscopic processes that influence performance, durability, and structural reliability.
Understanding atomic motion helps engineers relate local structural changes to material strength, durability, and degradation. By examining how bonding, defects, diffusion, and phase transformations contribute to material response, researchers can better control structures at the nanoscale. The same perspective also supports improved control of devices and systems whose performance depends on nanoscale organization.