Understanding Crystalline Structures: A 3D Representation for Enhanced Learning

[Corey Williams]

We were going over the structures of crystalline structures and the professor seemed to struggle to represent it nicely in 3D. I'm not sure if it is a common problem for students (I didn't think it was so hard to picture), but I decided to make a 3D representation of it that I thought would help.

Let me know what you think. Are they accurate enough? Are they helpful?

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/112790

 

[streeters]

These look great tbh. The transparent internal wall of the spheres is a really useful feature

 

[Enigman]

For a larger variety of crystal structures try a software like xcrysden, or better yet get Quantumwise's Virtual NanoLab with a free academic license and use it to see cif files of different crystals.

 

[MattMaxwell]

Wouldn't the element deem that? I.e carbon (single element) vs Alumina (AlO3 a compound)