Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

06:15
Interactive Molecular Model Assembly with 3D Printing
Published on: August 13, 2020
Lennard-Jones sticks: a new model for linear molecules
1Computational Physics Group, Department of Experimental Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. vesely@univie.ac.at
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|December 15, 2006
Summary
We developed an approximation for the anisotropic interaction between two line segments with Lennard-Jones centers. This method makes the model practical for both computational simulations and theoretical studies.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding anisotropic interactions is crucial in molecular simulations.
- Lennard-Jones potentials are widely used to model interatomic forces.
- Calculating interactions between extended objects like line segments is computationally challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computationally tractable approximation for the anisotropic interaction between two line segments.
- To enable the use of a homogeneous distribution of Lennard-Jones centers for modeling segment interactions.
- To make this model competitive for both theoretical and simulation applications.
Main Methods:
- Consideration of anisotropic interaction between two line segments.
- Modeling segments with a homogeneous distribution of Lennard-Jones centers.
- Development of an approximation for the potential energy calculation.
Main Results:
- The potential energy of the pair cannot be expressed in a closed-form solution.
- An effective approximation for the anisotropic interaction was derived.
- The proposed approximation enhances the model's utility for simulations and theory.
Conclusions:
- The developed approximation provides a practical approach to modeling anisotropic interactions between line segments.
- This method bridges the gap between theoretical models and computational feasibility.
- The findings support the use of this model in diverse scientific simulations.
Related Concept Videos
Molecular Models
Physical models representing molecular architectures of chemical compounds play essential roles in understanding chemistry. The use of molecular models makes it easier to visualize the structures and shapes of atoms and molecules.
Newman Projections
Different notations are used to represent the three-dimensional structure of molecules on two-dimensional surfaces. One of the most commonly used representations is the dash-wedge formula. The dashed wedges, solid wedges, and the plane lines indicate the groups situated behind the plane, coming out of the plane, and in the plane, respectively.
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.
Molecular Geometry and Dipole Moments
The VSEPR theory can be used to determine the electron pair geometries and molecular structures as follows:
Van der Waals Equation
The ideal gas law is an approximation that works well at high temperatures and low pressures. The van der Waals equation of state (named after the Dutch physicist Johannes van der Waals, 1837−1923) improves it by considering two factors.
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...
Molecular Shapes
Molecules have characteristic shapes that are crucial for their function. The arrangement of various electron groups around the central atom dictates their molecular geometry. Electron pairs in the valence shell of a central atom will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsions between the electron pairs by maximizing the distance between them. The valence electrons form either bonding pairs, located primarily between bonded atoms, or lone pairs.Two regions of electron density in a diatomic...
Intermolecular Forces
Atoms and molecules interact through bonds (or forces): intramolecular and intermolecular. The forces are electrostatic as they arise from interactions (attractive or repulsive) between charged species (permanent, partial, or temporary charges) and exist with varying strengths between ions, polar, nonpolar, and neutral molecules. The different types of intermolecular forces are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion; among these, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion...

