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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > May  >
In the Classroom
JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations
Demonstrating Void Space in Solids: A Simple Demonstration To Challenge a Powerful Misconception
Mary Whitfield
Department of Chemistry, Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, WA 98036-5999

checked by Ed Vitz
Department of Chemistry, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

Cover
May 2006
Vol. 83 No. 5
p. 749
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.
More Information
*  Citation
 Whitfield, Mary. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 749.
*  Keywords
 Analogies / Transfer; Atomic Properties / Structure; Demonstrations; First-Year Undergraduate / General; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Materials Science; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Physical Chemistry; Solids
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 3/16/2006
3/22/2006
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