Visualizing Atomic Orbitals Using Second Life

Authors

  • Andrew Stuart Lang Oral Roberts University
  • David Kobilnyk Oral Roberts University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4101/jvwr.v2i1.448

Keywords:

virtual worlds, physical chemistry, hydrogen, atomic orbitals

Abstract

We demonstrate the usefulness of Second LifeTM as a platform for enlivening major concepts in chemistry education. These concepts include absorption spectra, selection rules, quantum numbers, and atomic orbital shapes. We have built several exhibits in Second Life which provide 3-dimensional interactivity for each of those areas: an interactive experiment showing the absorption spectrum of hydrogen, an interactive model of selection rules showing allowed and forbidden transitions for each state, a 3-dimensional grid of orbitals showing the constraints on the values of quantum numbers, and a large-scale interactive orbital display allowing the user to choose and rotate to-scale atomic orbitals based on quantum numbers.

Author Biographies

Andrew Stuart Lang, Oral Roberts University

Professor of Mathematics

David Kobilnyk, Oral Roberts University

Research Assistant

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Published

2009-03-06

Issue

Section

Interactive Online Exhibits and Demonstrations