Sitting Bull

Fig. 7.19 Time series of an illustrative example of dimerization and proton transfer with an initial geometry on top of the figure. The middle panel indicates the relative position of the transferring protons (H5 and HIO). The bottom panel represents the bond-order of selected bonds, synchronized with the position of the protons. This entire dynamics is separated into four stages (A) Approaching of FAMs to dimerize to FAD, 0 < f < 120. (B) Protons are shifting forward and backward, 130 < t < 170. (C) Sitting around the stable dimer, 180 < t < 250. (D) Receding to FAMs after proton tranfer, 260 < t < 360. (Reprinted with permission from M. Okuyama et ai. Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 85, 217 (2012)).

Animal metaphors express the real danger of this confrontation. The protagonist rides a mechanical bull in the same way workers try to tame the atom. The crocodile, seen during a visit to the zoo is as devious as radiation. It can sit still for hours in order to improve its chances of surprising its prey. 

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