Atomic Interactions

Paying attention in chemistry class is not easy for most students, largely because everything the teacher is explaining is hard to visualize. They may talk about how atoms bond and repel one another, but you can’t really see these interactions happen.

Atomic Interactions is a relatively simple program that provides you with an intuitive simulation of interactions between various atoms. It is very easy to set up, and it only requires Java to be installed on your computer.

There are a few preset interactions that can be analyzed before you attempt to adjust any parameters. First off, you can see how two Neon, Argon or Oxygen atoms behave when placed next to each other or moved a bit closer that is expected. You can also analyze the interactions between different types of atoms.

As you move the atoms closer or further away, you can check the graph to see the total potential energy. This energy is at its lowest when the atoms have formed a bond, and at its highest when there is electron overlap.

Once you’ve gone through the initial experiments, you can try playing around with the adjustable parameters to see what kind of results you can get. These modifications can be made by moving the sliders or the force indicators in the graph.

The application can also show the total force and component forces while the atoms are interacting. To revert to the initial settings, simply click the Reset button.

While Atomic Interactions is not the most advanced simulation we have come across, it can help you explain the forces that control atomic interactions more intuitively. It is simple to set up and allows you to adjust several parameters.