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Demonstrating Void Space in Solids: A Simple Demonstration To Challenge a Powerful Misconception

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Mary Whitfield

Department of Chemistry, Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, WA 98036-5999

Ed Vitz

Department of Chemistry, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (5), p 749

DOI: 10.1021/ed083p749

Publication Date (Web): May 1, 2006

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The concept of bridging analogies is used in a simple demonstration to illustrate the substantial quantity of empty space that remains when solid spheres are packed together. The same demonstration also shows that the percentage of empty space is independent of particle size. The demonstration addresses persistent misconceptions about the atomic structure of solids and can help students form an appropriate mental model of the solid state. It can be used in a curriculum that emphasizes materials science or in any introductory chemistry course.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Analogies / Transfer

Keywords (Subject):

Atomic Properties / Structure

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Received: August 03, 2009

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Demo

Demonstrating Void Space in Solids: A Simple Demonstration To Challenge a Powerful Misconception

Abstract

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The Microscopic Statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Using Art-Based Chemistry Activities To Improve Students’ Conceptual Understanding in Chemistry

Using LEDs and Phosphorescent Materials To Teach High School Students Quantum Mechanics. A Guided-Inquiry Laboratory for Introductory High School Chemistry

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