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Ionic Crystal Lattice Visualizer

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How to Use

  1. Choose a compound to load its ionic radii and lattice energy data (NaCl, MgO, CaF₂, CsCl).
  2. Adjust the Grid Size slider (2×2×2 to 4×4×4) to emphasize how repeating units build the crystal.
  3. Toggle Pause/Start Rotation or click-and-drag on the lattice to change the perspective.
  4. Use Show Ion Labels to reveal ion identifiers; hover over any ion to see its radius in Å.
  5. Read the left info panel for lattice energy and the color legend for cations vs anions.

Classroom Ideas

  • Structure Comparisons: Compare NaCl (rock salt) with CsCl (bcc) to highlight coordination changes.
  • Charge/Size Discussion: Use MgO vs NaCl to discuss why higher charges/ smaller ions raise lattice energy.
  • Rotation Challenge: Assign students to pause rotation, align the view to show specific planes, and sketch the arrangement.

Educational Context

  • Subject: AP Chemistry — Ionic Bonding and Crystal Structures
  • Grade Level: 11–12
  • Learning Objectives:
  • Describe the 3D arrangement of ions in representative lattice types.
  • Analyze how ion charge and radius relate to lattice energy.
  • Duration: 10 minutes of guided exploration or lab-station extension.
  • Prerequisites: Ion charges, ionic radii, definition of lattice energy.
  • Assessment Ideas: Exit ticket asking which compound has the strongest lattice energy and why; quick sketch of the CaF₂ unit cell.