Atom Model Set with Rods for Molecular Assembly (Handout)

• Purpose: modelling molecules of inorganic and organic compounds
• Total number of elements: 92 pcs
• Atom models (balls): 52 pcs
• Connecting rods: 40 pcs
• Material: plastic
• Atom model coding: colour coded according to conventional designations of chemical elements
• Bond types modelled: single, double, triple
• Rod attachment: rods are fixed in the atom models at defined angles, giving the required valence angles, bond directions and the shape and structure of the molecule model
• Packaging: individual storage box per workplace

Kit Contents:

Atom Models

• Atom model balls, plastic, colour coded, with holes set at defined angles for inserting rods — 52 pcs

Connecting Rods

• Connecting rods, plastic, of different length and stiffness: short rigid rods for single bonds, longer flexible rods for double and triple bonds — 40 pcs

Modelling Features

• Bond angles: the holes of each ball are arranged at defined angles, so valence angles and the spatial orientation of bonds are set by the construction of the ball itself
• Valency: the number of holes in a ball corresponds to the valency of the atom in the molecule being modelled
• Scope: models of molecules of inorganic and organic compounds

Operation

• Before a lesson, unpack the set and check the number of components: atom models and connecting rods. As the set is a handout issued to every workplace, completeness of each box is checked before the lesson, not after it.
• Sort the balls by colour and by number of holes, and the rods by length and stiffness.
• Inspect the holes of the balls and the ends of the rods. A rod enters a hole with noticeable effort and holds by itself; elements with a broken hole or a crushed end are set aside.
• Issue boxes to workplaces closed and open them only on the desk.
• Insert rods into the holes fully, turning them slightly; apply force along the rod, not sideways.
• Model single bonds with short rigid rods. For a double or triple bond use flexible rods inserted into adjacent holes of both atoms, one rod per bond; the flexible rod bends and the atoms come closer, as in a real molecule with a multiple bond.
• Start assembly from the central atom: attach all rods to it, then add the peripheral atoms. Check the finished model by rotating it.
• After the work, disassemble the models and return the components to the box sorted. Assembled models are not left in storage: rods standing in holes for a long time widen them.

Safety

• Use the product only for its intended purpose; students work with it under the supervision of a teacher.
• Intended for school learners in general secondary education institutions, under teacher supervision.
• The set contains small parts: do not leave an open box unattended where younger children are present.
• Protect the product from impacts, falling and excessive mechanical loads.
• Do not pull a model off the desk by a rod and do not separate elements with a sharp-jawed tool: the edges of the holes break and the balls stop holding the bond.
• Do not heat the components and do not leave the set near heaters or in the sun: the plastic deforms and the hole angles change.
• Count the components at the end of every lesson before returning the box to its storage place.

Maintenance

• Wash soiled components with warm water and a neutral detergent and dry them before packing. Do not use hot water, solvents or abrasives: they discolour the colour coding by which the chemical elements are recognised.
• Periodically check the completeness of each box and the condition of the joints. Bent or cracked rods and balls with broken holes are replaced.

Storage and Transport

• Storage temperature: +5 °C to +40 °C, relative humidity 60 percent, non-condensing, in a dry, clean, ventilated room protected from direct sunlight, moisture, dust and heat sources.
• Operating conditions: air temperature +5 °C to +40 °C, relative humidity 40 to 60 percent, atmospheric pressure 84 to 107 kPa.
• Handout boxes are kept in a dry room, away from heaters and direct sunlight.
• The product is supplied packed in the manufacturer's packaging; during transport, protect the packing from precipitation and impacts.

Compliance and Disposal

• The product complies with the general product safety requirements established by European Union legislation.
• The product is not electrical or electronic equipment, therefore the WEEE marking does not apply to it.
• The product contains no hazardous substances and is disposed of as municipal solid waste after separation by material.

Warranty

• Repair of defects and replacement of defective parts or covered equipment for three (3) years.
• Availability of spare parts and consumables for five (5) years.