Electrons discover their individuality

Electrons between cooperative (coherent) and egocentric behaviour: If an electron is catapulted out of a nitrogen molecule at relatively low speed, it behaves cooperatively. The waves are sent out like a pseudo pair from both atoms and are superimposed (a). This also remains the case so if one of these electron waves is scattered off the atom (b). On the other hand, an electron behaves egocentrically or like an individual if it leaves the molecule quickly (c). If the electron now hits the adjacent atom and is scattered by it, it recognizes from which atom it started and superimposes itself on its scattered wave. Image: Fritz Haber Institute / Uwe Becker