Folding Cube Crystal Models - Physics Demonstrations - Folding Cube Crystal Models | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Purpose

Transparent, foldable cube models with embedded styrofoam sphere sections illustrate BCC, FCC, NaCl, and diamond crystal structures. Fold the models to show different cross-sections -- every configuration represents a valid slice through the crystal lattice.

Five transparent folding cube models on green surface with styrofoam sphere sections inside: red-and-white BCC (partially folded), green-and-white FCC (cubic), yellow-and-white NaCl, all-white diamond, and a second white model folded flat

Figure 1: Folding cube crystal models: BCC (red/white), FCC (green/white), NaCl (yellow/white), and diamond (white). Each cube contains styrofoam ball sections so that any folding configuration shows a valid crystal cross-section.