In this presentation we present the ongoing work that has been carried out at Northern Arizona University (NAU) that seeks to apply visual models with symmetry topics. This works utilizes the family of fullerenes (Bucky-balls) of formulas C60 to C82 as flat-pack molecular models. Even upper-division undergraduate students can be intimidated by the determination of the reducible representation of large molecules such as fullerenes. Drawing such molecules in two-dimensions does not permit students to observe the full array of symmetry operations required to predict the spectroscopic (infra-red and Raman) characteristics. Our previous work has primarily focussed on the use of such 3D printed molecular models, however paper models are inexpensive and can the creation process itself helps students recognize the symmetry elements. In addition, paper models have numerous advantages of computerized representations, as they can be physically manipulated along rotation axes, and marked to demonstrate symmetry planes. Sufficient isomers (+30) of the C60, C70, C82 and C84 fullerenes exist to supply individualized molecules to a reasonably sized (+30) course. This talk will examine how we developed this educational tool and how it has been integrated into an undergraduate-centered curriculum.

Symmetry and spectroscopy of paper models of fullerenes C60-C84 and Johnson solids

256th National Meeting (2018)

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