Abstract

Any lattice in which the hydrogen atoms would be translationally identical (Bravais lattice) would have metallic properties. In the present paper the energy of a body‐centered lattice of hydrogen is calculated as a function of the lattice constant. This energy is shown to assume its minimum value for a lattice constant which corresponds to a density many times higher than that of the ordinary, molecular lattice of solid hydrogen. This minimum—though negative—is much higher than that of the molecular form. The body‐centered modification of hydrogen cannot be obtained with the present pressures, nor can the other simple metallic lattices. The chances are better, perhaps, for intermediate, layer‐like lattices.