GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry

This paper describes a digital application designed for learning Space Groups of Symmetry (SGS). It teaches how to recognize the operations performed by the symmetry elements, both point (or 2D) operators (proper and improper rotations, including mirroring, inversion, and other rotoinversions), and...

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Main Authors: Adolfo Miras, Agustín Cota, Domingo Martín
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-01-01
Series:Education Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/12/2/85
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author Adolfo Miras
Agustín Cota
Domingo Martín
author_facet Adolfo Miras
Agustín Cota
Domingo Martín
author_sort Adolfo Miras
collection DOAJ
description This paper describes a digital application designed for learning Space Groups of Symmetry (SGS). It teaches how to recognize the operations performed by the symmetry elements, both point (or 2D) operators (proper and improper rotations, including mirroring, inversion, and other rotoinversions), and space (or 3D) operators (screw axes and glide planes), as well as their combinations with the translations of the lattice. The software applies a 3D space vision to identify the elements of symmetry compatible with the proposed structural models. The symbols of internationally accepted representation are used. The system, class, and space group of the crystal that agree with the proposed model are solved. Two settings are taken into account in the Monoclinic system. The application self-evaluates and assesses the knowledge acquired, allowing each exercise to be re-done until it is correctly completed with the appropriate recommendations. This application constitutes a useful and easy-to-use tool for SGS learning. It is aimed at beginner students of crystallography, with elementary knowledge about elements of symmetry, Bravais lattices, crystal classes, and wallpaper groups.
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spelling doaj.art-cf9acc00cbc34b098d5f8ed029a097892023-11-23T19:37:02ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022022-01-011228510.3390/educsci12020085GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of SymmetryAdolfo Miras0Agustín Cota1Domingo Martín2Department of Crystallography, Mineralogy and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, SpainX-ray Laboratory, Research Technology and Innovation Center (CITIUS), University of Seville, 41012 Seville, SpainDepartment of Crystallography, Mineralogy and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, SpainThis paper describes a digital application designed for learning Space Groups of Symmetry (SGS). It teaches how to recognize the operations performed by the symmetry elements, both point (or 2D) operators (proper and improper rotations, including mirroring, inversion, and other rotoinversions), and space (or 3D) operators (screw axes and glide planes), as well as their combinations with the translations of the lattice. The software applies a 3D space vision to identify the elements of symmetry compatible with the proposed structural models. The symbols of internationally accepted representation are used. The system, class, and space group of the crystal that agree with the proposed model are solved. Two settings are taken into account in the Monoclinic system. The application self-evaluates and assesses the knowledge acquired, allowing each exercise to be re-done until it is correctly completed with the appropriate recommendations. This application constitutes a useful and easy-to-use tool for SGS learning. It is aimed at beginner students of crystallography, with elementary knowledge about elements of symmetry, Bravais lattices, crystal classes, and wallpaper groups.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/12/2/85chemistrygeological sciencecondensed matter physicsymmetry propertiescrystallographySpace Groups of Symmetry
spellingShingle Adolfo Miras
Agustín Cota
Domingo Martín
GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
Education Sciences
chemistry
geological science
condensed matter physic
symmetry properties
crystallography
Space Groups of Symmetry
title GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
title_full GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
title_fullStr GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
title_full_unstemmed GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
title_short GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
title_sort gesus an interactive computer application for teaching and learning the space groups of symmetry
topic chemistry
geological science
condensed matter physic
symmetry properties
crystallography
Space Groups of Symmetry
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/12/2/85
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