Atomic layer deposition is a precise process used to deposit a few atom-thick layers of material onto a substrate for use in microprocessors, sensors, and medical devices. It requires expertise in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Organic and hybrid materials can also be produced using this technique. High k dielectric materials such as zirconium dioxide, hafnium […]
The Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1946 to direct the research, development, and production of nuclear weapons and the peaceful uses of atomic energy. It was responsible for developing nuclear reactors for civilian and military purposes and overseeing the safety of the nuclear industry. In 1974, it was abolished due to conflicts between its […]
Las Vegas in the 1950s saw a strange mix of nuclear weapons and showgirls, with beauty pageant winners given nicknames like “Miss A-Bomb” and “Miss Atomic Blast”. The public was fascinated by the nuclear tests at the nearby Nevada Test Site, and beauty queens were crowned in conjunction with atomic test programs. In the 1950s, […]
During World War II, the US planned to bomb Kokura, but cloud cover forced them to target Nagasaki instead, killing over 40,000 people. Nagasaki was not originally a target for nuclear strike. History is full of near misses. From assassination attempts — Queen Victoria escaped seven such attempts — to terrifying standoffs like the Cuban […]
Atomic orbitals are regions of space around the nucleus where electrons are located, with different shapes and energy levels. Quantum numbers define energy states, and electronic configurations can change when atoms interact. Atomic orbitals interact during molecule formation, and hybridization theory describes molecule shape. Quantum mechanics studies atomic complexity and interactions. An atomic orbital is […]
Atomic theory states that matter is made up of small units called atoms, which were originally thought to be indivisible. However, British scientist JJ Thomson discovered that atoms are made up of smaller particles. John Dalton’s atomic theory had five main points, most of which are still accepted today, but with some exceptions due to […]
The atomic number is the number of protons in an element’s nucleus, determining its unique properties. Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons, and isotopes have varying numbers of neutrons. The periodic table groups elements by atomic number, with columns based on electron arrangement. The atomic number is the number of protons – […]
Atomic weight is the average weight of a single atom of an element, measured using a complex system based on the weight of reference elements. Most elements have multiple isotopes, which affects the measurement. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry publishes standard atomic weights. Atomic weight is the weight of the atoms of […]
The atomic mass unit (AMU) is a universally applied measurement based on 1/12 of the total mass of a single carbon-12 atom. AMUs are used in every science except biology and biochemistry, and are convenient because one unit equals one atom of hydrogen. However, AMUs do not account for the energy that binds the nucleus […]
An atomic bomb uses a nuclear chain reaction to release a huge amount of energy. The first explosion occurred in 1945 during the Manhattan Project. Nuclear reactions occur when heavy nuclei are hit by neutrons, creating a chain reaction. The bomb can release over 80 terajoules of energy per kilogram. The core is compressed by […]
Atomic emission spectroscopy measures the energy of atoms in a sample by adding energy to see what happens to the atoms. The machine recognizes the light energy and calculates the concentrations of individual elements. Samples must be decomposed into free atoms, and each element produces a distinctive set of photons. Atomic absorption spectroscopy works on […]
When choosing an atomic clock, consider its style, material, and unique features. Look for automatic daylight saving time adjustments, daily date and time signal adjustments, and functions appropriate to your intended use. The most important feature is its ability to receive and process the radio signal link from the centrally located atomic clock. Other factors […]
The Atomic Age began after the first atomic bomb detonation in 1945 and was characterized by enthusiasm for atomic energy. However, the threat of nuclear war and the challenges and costs of nuclear power caused its decline. Nuclear power is making a comeback due to its emission-free energy, but there is still work to be […]
Atomic absorption spectroscopy identifies minerals or metals in liquids or solids by measuring the absorption of light directed at the sample. The technique can detect traces and any element, with iron, aluminum, copper, and lead being the most common. Flame and furnace methods use different heating methods, and calibration is necessary for accuracy. The technique […]
The atomic probe microscope is used in materials science to view and analyze atomic-sized objects, using time-in-flight spectroscopy and field ion microscopy techniques. Atomic probe tomography generates 3D images and was developed in 1967 by Erwin Wilhelm Muller. Commercialization of the laser-pulsed atom probe occurred in 2005. The atomic probe is a microscope with resolution […]
Atomic radius measures the distance between the nucleus and outer edge of electrons. It varies depending on bonding and position on the periodic table. Helium has the smallest radius, while cesium has the largest. Covalently bonded atoms have different radii than touching atoms. Atomic radius is based on the principle that atoms are spheres, and […]
Atomic sentences are simple declarative statements that are either true or false. They are used in logic to build more complex molecular sentences, which can be true, partially true, or false. In symbolic logic, atomic sentences are assigned letters and linked by logical operators to determine the truth of a statement as a whole. Also […]
