In Exploring Solid-State Structure and Physical Properties Thomas H. Bindel presents a crystal model laboratory exercise that allows students to examine relations among the microscopic–macroscopic–symbolic levels, using crystalline mineral samples and corresponding crystal models. Students explore the relationship between solid-state structure and crystal form as well as other structure–property relationships. The exercise also reinforces Lewis dot structures, VSEPR theory, and the identification of molecular geometries and coordination geometries.
Photos of fluoriute mineral samples are courtesy of irocks.com/ Rob Lavinsky.
Jmol image of fluorite unit cell generated by Xavier Prat-Resina, University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The cover was designed by Betsy True.
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