October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk2 min

Magnetic Fields Can Dramatically Change Reactivity in Ultracold Na + NaLi Collisions

In ultracold Na + NaLi collisions, magnetic tuning near atom–molecule Feshbach resonances changed measured collision loss by more than a factor of 100. The loss included inelastic scattering as well as chemical reaction.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In collisions between sodium atoms and sodium–lithium molecules (Na + NaLi), tuning a magnetic field near an atom–molecule Feshbach resonance changed the measured collision loss by more than a factor of 100, according to a report on a 2022 study. That loss included both inelastic scattering and chemical reactions, so the result is not evidence that the field simply switched a reaction on or off.

What the experiment measured

The study examined collisions between a sodium atom and a sodium–lithium molecule, not collisions between two molecules. The possible outcomes included elastic scattering, inelastic scattering and chemical reaction. Elastic collisions change particles’ motion without necessarily removing them from the trapped sample. Inelastic scattering and chemical reactions can remove particles, so both contribute to the observed collision loss.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

That distinction matters: the reported change of more than a factor of 100 was a change in measured loss, not a direct measurement showing that the chemical-reaction rate alone changed by that amount. The available account does not provide exact resonance field values or rate coefficients. Chemistry World’s report of the 2022 study summarizes the result.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How a magnetic field changes a collision

A Feshbach resonance occurs when the quantum state of freely colliding particles becomes coupled to a bound state of the atom–molecule system. Near a resonance, the colliding wavefunction mixes with that bound-state wavefunction. Changing the magnetic field tunes the relationship between them, altering the coupling and the interference between possible collision pathways.

#1 Best Overall
LINKTOR Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces), Student or Teacher Set for Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Learning, Motivate Enthusiasm for Learning and Raising Space Imagination, A Fullerene Set
  • FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
  • CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
  • EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
  • If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.

In this Na + NaLi system, the reported explanation is that this wavefunction mixing changed the collision outcome. The account contrasts this with electric-field approaches that can alter interactions at longer range: here, the long-range interaction remained van der Waals in character, while resonance tuning affected the collision wavefunction. This description applies to the studied system; it is not a general claim that magnetic fields cannot affect long-range interactions in other settings.

Why the two resonances did not behave alike

The report describes two resonances with different strengths and different inferred intermediate-state behavior. Their contrast helps explain why a magnetic field does not produce a simple rule such as “stronger field means more reaction.”

Rank #2
MATIFANER Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (136 Pcs) for Student and Teacher,Organic and Inorganic Chemical Learning Set,Motivate Enthusiasm for Learning Chemistry and Raising Space Imagination
  • ADVANCED LEARNING SCIENCE EDUCATION KIT --- Perfect chemistry model kit for modeling simple and small to more advanced and complex chemical structures for schools and college level, students of all ages, researchers and enthusiasts. Fun and interactive early learning molecular set for kids of all years and for use in the classroom.
  • HIGH QUALITY --- Made from high quality durable materials designed for easy construction and perfect fit. These Molecular Model Kit pieces are color coded to national standards for easy ID. Organic Chemistry Model Kit includes box for easy storage and transport with your other textbooks, notes, and books. Excellent for the classroom.
  • POWERFUL FUNCTIONS --- This Molecular Model Kit has a total of 136 pieces including short link remover tool. Super easy to build models for organic and inorganic chemistry, This model contains C, H, O, N, S and a variety of single and double bonds, Can be put high school, university chemistry in most of the organic or inorganic molecular structure model for the study of experimental operation.
  • QUICK AND EASY ASSEMBLY OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES --- Atoms and bonds that are perfectly suited to being connected and disconnected easily without making your fingers hurt. We've also included a link remover to make the task of easy.
  • CONVENIENT STORAGE --- The pieces come in a slim plastic box for convenient storage. See the pictures on this listing for a full understanding of what's inside
Resonance Reported behavior Interpretation in the report
Stronger Associated with the larger loss amplification; the report describes loss changing by more than a factor of 100 as the field was tuned across a resonance. More likely to populate a long-lived intermediate, where stronger quantum interference affects the outcome.
Weaker Also affected collision loss, but with less amplification than the stronger resonance. More likely to populate a more chemically reactive intermediate, with weaker interference.

These are the reported explanations for the two observed resonances, not a universal ranking of reaction rates. Because the measurement combines inelastic scattering and reaction, total loss alone does not identify how much of the change came from each process.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the result does—and does not—show

The work is a controlled-system demonstration of magnetic tuning in ultracold atom–molecule collisions. It supports the possibility of using resonance control to influence ultracold chemistry and, potentially, to prepare ensembles in the same state. Those are future prospects described in connection with the result, not applications demonstrated by this experiment.

Rank #3
YCHOULEK Molecular Model Kit, 444 Pcs Organic Chemistry Structure Set
  • Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • 444 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 136 atoms,158 bonds, and 150 fullerene model parts, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
  • Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
  • Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable Snap-Lock design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
  • Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.

The study is reported as H. Son et al., Science 375 (2022), p. 1006, DOI 10.1126/science.abl7257. The earlier electric-field comparison is K. Matsuda et al., Science 370 (2020), p. 1324, DOI 10.1126/science.abe7370. The available report does not establish exact field strengths, temperatures or rate coefficients, so those quantities should not be inferred from the factor-of-100 loss change.

Best Value
YCHOULEK Molecular Model Kit, 240 Pcs Organic Chemistry Structure Set
  • Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • 240 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 86 atoms and 154 bonds, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
  • Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
  • Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
  • Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.
Rank #4
JoyCat 238-Piece Molecular Model Kit for Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • UNLOCK YOUR CHEMISTRY POTENTIAL: Our comprehensive molecular model kit includes 238 pieces, featuring 84 atoms, 153 bonds and a remover tool. Suitable for chemistry learners from beginners to advanced levels. Manufacturer recommended age: 15 years and up
  • ORGANIZED STORAGE AND EASY LOCATING: Experience hassle-free organization with our storage box, complete with divided compartments and labeled sections. Say goodbye to clutter and quickly find the components you need
  • EXTRA LEARNING MATERIALS FOR EXCELLENCE: Enhance your studies with our bonus 6-page learning guide and stencils. From grade 9 to college, from organic to inorganic, finish and master your assignments faster and create numerous molecular structures with ease
  • IMMERSIVE 3D VISUAL LEARNING: Explore chemistry in a captivating way with our 3D visual learning approach. The universal color-coded Atomic Balls provide a better understanding of molecular structure, boosting your chemistry knowledge. It's also a perfect gift for someone who are going to learn those complex molecule
  • EASY-TO-USE DESIGN: Crafted from smooth, burr-free plastic, our molecular science kit ensures easy assembly. With the included remover tool, disassembling is a breeze

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.