Polymer Random Coil

This interactive simulator explores Polymer Random Coil in Chemistry. Lattice random walk R_g with Flory exponent ν slider (scaling hint vs Gaussian ν = ½). Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Chemistry.

Key terms

  • polymer
  • random
  • coil
  • polymer random coil
  • chemistry

How it works

2D square-lattice random walk as a cartoon chain; radius of gyration measures spread about the center of mass. The ν slider only rescales R_g for comparison with typical exponents (Gaussian ν = ½ in 2D; good-solvent 3D SAW is often quoted near ν ≈ 0.588 — not reproduced by this 2D lattice model).

Key equations

R_g² = (1/N) Σᵢ |rᵢ − r_cm|² in 2D. The ν slider does not re-simulate a SAW; it only rescales the displayed R_g for classroom comparison.