SCIENCE - Scientists observe competing quantum effects on the kinetic energy of protons in water

(Phys.org) —Quantum mechanics plays an important role in determining the structure and dynamics of water, down to the level of the atomic nuclei. Sometimes, nuclear quantum effects (NQEs) along different molecular axes compete with each other and partially cancel each other out. This phenomenon is thought to play a role in determining the melting and boiling temperatures of water. Now for the first time, scientists have experimentally observed th ...

http://phys.org/news/2013-10-scientists-quantum-effects-kinetic-energy