<br/>Many colleges, including IUPUC, have experimented with using 3D printing in an educational manner. We wanted to accomplish this task by providing interactive models that help develop a better understanding of molecules and bonds. Previous research accomplished in our lab demonstrated the bonds between two atoms with model, but now we want to show the actual formation of these bonds. We designed plastic pieces with 3D printing to represent different atoms. Each atom has space for a magnet that allows the pieces to attract or repel each other. By applying a small force, shaken in bottle, the initial bonds break and product molecules are formed. If shaken too much, the product bonds would be break again representing decomposition.  This model was demonstrated with hydrogen and oxygen forming water but the approach is broad enough to work for other reactions. <br/>

Using 3D printing and magnets to model chemical reactions

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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