Hydrogen Chain (IMAGE) Simons Foundation Caption A map of where electrons are most likely to be found around a chain of hydrogen atoms. Brighter colors denote higher probabilities. At this spacing between atoms, the electrons try to link pairs of adjacent atoms to form dihydrogen molecules. Because the protons are fixed in place, these molecules can't form. Instead, each electron 'leans' toward a neighboring atom. Credit M. Motta et al./Physical Review X 2020 Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.