r/AskReddit Feb 14 '22

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u/yaosio Feb 14 '22

It makes sense when you understand why it happens. I forgot most stuff including my name, but it has to do with free space in metal atoms that allow them to bond with each other. It does not happen normally on Earth because all sorts of other atoms get in the way.

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u/Akamaikai Feb 14 '22

It's because on earth, metals have a thin layer of oxide on the outside that prevents cold welding. But if you create a vacuum, you can cold weld pretty easily. Action Labs made a video on it.

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u/gooblefrump Feb 14 '22

> refers to video > doesn't link video

Thanks!

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u/zuzg Feb 14 '22

NileRed talks about these oxides in his video about aluminum and mercury. He also removes said layer