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Polyhedral Model Kit Basic Directions: Red Phosphorous

Name: P4, red phosphorus, a chain structure

Uses: fundamental structure

Alternate Representations:

Definition of Polyhedral Representation:

  

The clear tetrahedrons represents the bonding in the molecule.

The 1-prong, "modified" from 2-prong, connectors represent the terminal phosphorus atoms (modified means that one prong is removed, making the connector a terminal atom).

The 2-prong connectors represent the bridging phosphorus atoms in the chain.

Parts/Subassemblies Required

End Group Subassembly

1 tetrahedron

2 1-prong, "modified" from 2-prong, connectors

2 2-prong connectors

Repeat Group Subassemblies

Each repeat group subassembly will require the following.  The model shown contains 1-end group and 4-repeat group subassemblies.

1 tetrahedron

2 1-prong, "modified" from 2-prong, connectors

1 2-prong connectors

Construction

End Group Subassembly

Place one of the "modified" 2-prong connectors into the hole in 2 of the vertices of the tetrahedron and a 2-prong connector into the remaining holes.

Repeat Group Subassemblies

For each repeat group, place one of the "modified" 2-prong connectors into the hole in 2 of the vertices of the tetrahedron and one 2-prong connector into one of the remaining holes.

Chain Assembly

Connect the "end group" assembly to remaining hole of one of the "repeat group" subassemblies using one of the 2-prong connectors.  Add more "repeat group" subassemblies by placing one of the 2-prong connectors into the hole on the new "repeat group".