Modeling solid structures with 2-D paper cutouts

CHED 402

KaReisha F. Robinson, Phuong N. Nguyen, Nathan D. Applegren, and Dean J. Campbell, campbell@bradley.edu. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625
Flat paper cutouts can be used for modeling layers of atoms within solid structures. The cutouts can be produced by folding and cutting paper in a method familiar to most people as a way of making “paper snowflakes”. Using the proper templates, cutouts with six-fold symmetry can be produced that illustrate layers of close-packed atoms and graphite layers. Stacking the cutouts in specific ways illustrates how these layers of the atoms are stacked in the solids. Additionally, these cutouts can be used to demonstrate elastic vs. plastic deformation in metals and to demonstrate atomic force microscopy. The flat structures can be folded to represent other solid layers or even be rolled into models of carbon nanostructures. These paper lattices can be used on an overhead projector or a document camera for demonstration to an entire class, or they can be constructed and studied on an individual basis by each student.