How do I make a 3D model of the atom? What materials can I use? Got any good sites I can visit for ideas?

Question

Also, if you've ever made one yourself, please tell me how you did it and with what materials. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you're just making a model of a single atom, then it's just a sphere.

If you're trying to make a computer model of a molecule, you would have to use a molecuar modeling program like Gaussian or Spartan. These won't be available to you unless you are in a computational chemistry or chemical engineering program.

I doubt you're that old, so I would just stick with using styrofoam balls and posts. Just remember not to use spray paint on them, because it will disintegrate the foam.

Answer 2

For a methane (CH4) atom first draw a triangle with sides of equal length on a piece of paper. On each of the 3 sides of that triangle draw another triangle using the first one as the base for the 3 others. You should now have 4 triangles, the 1st one in the middle and the other 3 attached to the first at the 3 sides of the first. The new triangle will have sides twice as long as the first one. Cut the new larger triangle out, and fold into a pyramid. You will now have a tetrahedron, which can represent a methane atom. The carbon atom will be in the center, and the 4 hydrogen's atoms will be at the four tips of the tetrahedron (pyramid).

Answer 3

you clay and chopsticks
awesome site to use for ideas and past/future things

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/
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