Mechanics > Properties of Matter > Crystal Structure

DCS# 1R50.22

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CLOSE-PACKING MODEL

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APPARATUS

red and yellow wooden balls	202-16-C1
plexiglas base	202-16-C1
plexiglas support pieces	202-16-C1

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DESCRIPTION

Stack the balls on the plexiglas base to show the difference between hexagonal close-packed (stacked abab) and face-centered cubic (abcabc) structures.

One can also show the simple cubic structure by placing a plexiglas plate over each layer of balls to support the next layer, as shown in the photo.