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AMMRF, University of Sydney/Science Source
MAKE AND DEFEND A CLAIM
With a small group, write a short informational
statement to explain to individuals who do
not have a background in chemistry how
scientists map materials at the atomic level.
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Mapping the Mysteries
of Materials
Visualizing and mapping the arrangement and
bonding of atoms in a material provides scien-
tists with a vast amount of information about its
structure, properties, and potential uses.
Atoms and Properties
Everything on Earth is composed of atoms.
The differences among atoms and how they
are combined result in the great variety of
materials and substances on Earth. The
properties of any material, such as flexibility
and strength, are determined by the types of
atoms it contains and how they are combined.
How Atoms Are Mapped
Recent advances have enabled mapping the
precise positions of billions of individual atoms
in a material. Scanning transmission electron
microscopy scans samples with a beam of
electrons and gathers information about the
interactions of the electrons at many different
angles to produce two-dimensional images. The
two-dimensional images are then combined
using advanced computer programs, resulting
in a detailed three-dimensional atomic “map”.
Real-World Applications
The applications of this advanced technology
are virtually limitless. Using this technique,
scientists can detect defects at specific
locations in materials—places where the
“wrong” atom was inserted, or an atom was
missing. These atomic-level defects can
cause large scale problems that could lead to
catastrophic damage. For example, if the
material used in a bridge had defects at the
atomic level that reduced its strength, it would
compromise the safety of the bridge.
Scientists have mapped the atoms in this copper-cobalt-
manganese catalyst. Cobalt atoms are blue, copper atoms
are orange, and manganese atoms are green.
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
A tiny sample of aluminum (the blue rod) is being prepared
for analysis to map its atomic structure.
CALIFORNIA CONNECTION
Research the Molecular Foundry, located in
California. Summarize the information of one
news release or research highlight on the
Molecular Foundry’s web page. Share your
summary with the class.
Module 3 • Scientific Breakthroughs
101