Azobenzene's Chilly Dance: A Molecular Mystery

Ever heard of azobenzene? These tiny molecules can switch between two states, 'cis' and 'trans', super quickly when it's freezing cold. It's like they're dancing on ice! Scientists use a tool called a Scanning-Tunneling Microscopy (STM) tip to make this happen. This tip uses an electric field to push the molecules around. But why do they dance? That's what scientists are trying to figure out. Solving this molecular puzzle could help us understand these unique molecules even better.Imagine tiny dancers on a super cold stage. That's what azobenzene molecules do! They change their poses from 'cis' to 'trans' in just seconds. How do they do it? A special tool called an STM tip is used. This tip acts like a switch, using an electric field to make the molecules move. But why do they dance like this? That's the big question scientists are trying to answer. Figuring out this puzzle could lead to new discoveries about these amazing molecules.