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Subject: 
Re: Chirality
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.build.schleim, lugnet.parts
Date: 
Thu, 8 Sep 2005 19:47:39 GMT
Viewed: 
5707 times
  
In lugnet.build.schleim, Didier Enjary wrote:
LEGO and chirality

Chirality is the property of an object that can not be superimposed on its
mirror image. Examples includes both natural (biological) object such hands and
cultural (technical) object such screws.

A non-chiral (achiral) object can be superimposed on its mirror image, that
means it has one or more plane of symmetry.

One chiral object and its counterpart are called enantiomers.

Chirality is common studied property in science (chemistry, mathematics) but
also in arts (M.C. Escher)


1) Most of the LEGO parts are symmetric.

Plates, Bricks, Slopes, Beams, Axles, Gears,  are all achiral parts


2) Some are chiral and both enantiomers are produced by TLC (they are called
left and right enantiomer) :

Doors, wings, wedges, minifig arms


3) A few  are chiral and only one enantiomer is produced by TLC

Technic worm screw, some minifig accessories (camera), patterned parts


When both enantiomeric part are produced, they are generally intended to be used
at the same time to create a symmetric structure : Cars with both right and left
doors, planes with both right and left wings. But it exists some creative ways
to use only right or left enantiomeric part for example by creating a chiral
superstructure as spiral staircase.


Any thoughts ?

I will never look at my bricks the same.... what a great idea for a lesson plan,
I have written it down to tell my sister (a secondary science teacher), I am a
training early childhood so chirality isn't on the curriculum :(. Is there
nothing lego can not teach us. Thanks

Anita



Message has 2 Replies:
  Re: Chirality
 
(...) Hi Anita, Thank you for your answer, it has made my day brighter as I like the ideas you talk about. - Being open minded as you are ("I will never look at my bricks the same") - Sharing ideas - LEGO as a smart toy and teaching tool Didier (19 years ago, 9-Sep-05, to lugnet.edu)
  Re: Chirality
 
(...) [snip] (...) Actually, you can model Lewis Structures* with LEGO too. I sent an article describing the LEGO-Lewis Model to the Journal of Chemical Education, but they rejected it :( A reviewer suggested that I re-write the "article" as an (...) (19 years ago, 9-Sep-05, to lugnet.build.schleim, lugnet.parts, lugnet.edu)

Message is in Reply To:
  Chirality
 
LEGO and chirality Chirality is the property of an object that can not be superimposed on its mirror image. Examples includes both natural (biological) object such hands and cultural (technical) object such screws. A non-chiral (achiral) object can (...) (19 years ago, 8-Sep-05, to lugnet.build.schleim, lugnet.parts) ! 

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