How a Neural Network Speeded Up Molecular Collision Calculations
Atoms in a gas behave like billiard balls: they fly, collide, and scatter in different directions. But instead of solid balls, they have a soft "coat" of attractive and repulsive forces. At close range, atoms repel sharply; at longer range, they attract slightly. Scientists need to calculate these collisions precisely to model gas flows around airplanes or inside microchips.