atomic migration

Atomic migration refers to the movement of individual atoms within a material, usually driven by differences in energy, temperature, or stress. Atoms naturally shift from areas of higher energy to lower energy, often to repair defects or respond to external forces. This process is essential in shaping the properties of materials, affecting things like durability, strength, and how materials respond to heat or stress. Imagine atoms as tiny travelers moving through a city grid, relocating to more stable or energetically favorable positions, influencing the material's overall behavior and lifespan.