A virtual alternative to molecular model sets: a beginners' guide to constructing and visualizing molecules in open-source molecular graphics software

A virtual alternative to molecular model sets: a beginners' guide to constructing and visualizing molecules in open-source molecular graphics software

The application of molecular graphics software as a simple and free alternative to molecular model sets for introductory-level chemistry learners is presented. Based on either Avogadro or IQmol, we proposed four sets of tasks for students, building basic molecular geometries, visualizing orbitals an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC research notes 2021-02, Vol.14 (1), p.66-66, Article 66
Main Authors: Phankingthongkum, Siripreeya, Limpanuparb, Taweetham
Format: Article
Language:eng
Subjects:
Chemical education
Chemistry
Computer programs
Curricula
General chemistry
Graphics software
Humans
Laboratories
Learning
Models, Molecular
Molecular graphics software
Molecular model
Molecules
Polarity
Research Note
Science education
Software
Students
Teaching
Visualization
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Summary:The application of molecular graphics software as a simple and free alternative to molecular model sets for introductory-level chemistry learners is presented. Based on either Avogadro or IQmol, we proposed four sets of tasks for students, building basic molecular geometries, visualizing orbitals and densities, predicting polarity of molecules and matching 3D structures with bond-line structures. These topics are typically covered in general chemistry for first-year undergraduate students. Detailed step-by-step procedures are provided for all tasks for both programs so that instructors and students can adopt one of the two programs in their teaching and learning as an alternative to molecular model sets.
ISSN:1756-0500
1756-0500