Tunneling Reactions

Quantum Tunneling

In the cold environments of space, some reactions can proceed via quantum tunneling, where particles pass through energy barriers rather than going over them. This can enable reactions at low temperatures that would otherwise be too slow.

• Example:

\[ \text{H} + \text{H} \rightarrow \text{H}_2 \]

via tunneling on grain surfaces.

Note

Make link to dust grain