Ball-and-stick model
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In
In a ball-and-stick model, the radius of the spheres is usually much smaller than the rod lengths, in order to provide a clearer view of the atoms and bonds throughout the model. As a consequence, the model does not provide a clear insight about the space occupied by the model. In this aspect, ball-and-stick models are distinct from space-filling (calotte) models, where the sphere radii are proportional to the Van der Waals atomic radii in the same scale as the atom distances, and therefore show the occupied space but not the bonds.
Ball-and-stick models can be physical artifacts or virtual computer models. The former are usually built from molecular modeling kits, consisting of a number of coil springs or plastic or wood sticks, and a number of plastic balls with pre-drilled holes. The sphere colors commonly follow the CPK coloring. Some university courses on chemistry require students to buy such models as learning material.
History
In 1865, German chemist
Specialist companies manufacture kits and models to order. One of the earlier companies was Woosters at
The Beeverses Miniature Models company in Edinburgh (now operating as Miramodus) produced small models beginning in 1961[3] using PMMA balls and stainless steel rods. In these models, the use of individually drilled balls with precise bond angles and bond lengths enabled large crystal structures to be accurately created in a light and rigid form.
See also
References
- .
- ISBN 978-0-8151-8450-8.
- ^ "(Cecil) Arnold Beevers". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 29 November 2017.