Space-filling model
The space-filling model belongs - as the stick model and the band model - to the spatial molecular models, which serve to illustrate the three-dimensional structure of molecules.
Description
The Developed in 1934 by the Swiss physicist Herbert Arthur Stuart -filling model is an evolution of the rod model, with which the structure of molecules can be represented plastically. The atoms of each element by the different colored ball outs ( domes ) are represented. The relations of the atomic sizes, bond angles and bond lengths correspond to the actual conditions. The former are determined by the van der Waals radii of the individual atoms. This results in a vivid and moving (depending on the kit and design) model of the molecule. The space-filling models are today manufactured and sold by the company Leybold.
In the U.S., J. Hirschfelder developed in 1937 a cheaper filling model than that which was marketed by Fisher Scientific. Early 1950s developed L. Pauling and RB Corey own space-filling model, which has been improved by W. Koltun and known as CPK model.
The molecular representation as a space-filling model is supported by many 3D - structure programs.
Coloring
The color scheme of the atoms is based on the CPK model.