Crystal Structures (IMAGE)
Caption
Researchers discovered two new crystals made from water and table salt at low temperatures, below about minus 50 C. The known structure (left) has one salt molecule (yellow and green balls) to two water molecules (red and pink balls). X-ray imaging let researchers determine the position of individual atoms in the new structures. The center structure has two sodium chloride molecules for every 17 water molecules and stays stable even if pressure drops to near vacuum, as would exist on a lunar surface. The structure on the right has one sodium chloride molecule for every 13 water molecules, and is stable only at high pressure.
Credit
Baptiste Journaux/University of Washington
Usage Restrictions
With credit
License
Original content