What happened when two atoms collided
When two atoms collide, they can undergo a variety of possible reactions depending on the nature of the atoms and the conditions of the collision. Some possible outcomes include:
1. Elastic collision: In an elastic collision, the two atoms interact briefly without any energy exchange. They simply bounce off each other without undergoing any changes.
2. Inelastic collision: In an inelastic collision, the atoms interact and exchange energy, with some energy being transferred between them. This can result in one or both atoms gaining or losing energy.
3. Chemical reaction: In some cases, when two atoms collide, they may undergo a chemical reaction where bonds between atoms are broken and formed, leading to the creation of new molecules or compounds.
4. Nuclear reaction: In very high-energy collisions, atoms may undergo nuclear reactions, such as fusion or fission, where the atomic nucleus is altered and new elements are formed.
Overall, what happens when two atoms collide depends on a variety of factors, including the nature of the atoms themselves, their relative speeds and energies, and the conditions under which the collision occurs.