Distance geometry

Distance geometry is like playing a game where we pretend we are drawing a picture using only a ruler. We are given some points on a paper and we have to figure out where to draw lines between them to make a shape like a square or a triangle. We can only use our ruler to measure the distance between the points, not to draw the lines.

Scientists use distance geometry to help them figure out how molecules are shaped. They can't see the molecules because they are too small, but they can figure out how they are put together by measuring the distance between the atoms in the molecule. They use a lot of math to do this, but it's like a fun puzzle game for them. And when they figure it out, they can use it to make medicines or other important things that help people.