Journal Articles: 65 results
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties |
Kinetics |
Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics |
Nonmajor Courses
Degree of Mathematics Fluency and Success in Second-Semester Introductory Chemistry  Doreen Geller Leopold and Barbara Edgar
Students' scores on a diagnostic mathematics assessment administered in an introductory chemistry course required for science and engineering majors were found to correlate with success in the course. Mathematical and pedagogical misconceptions highlighted by these results are discussed, as are possible methods for enhancing students' mathematics skills.
Leopold, Doreen Geller; Edgar, Barbara. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 724.
Learning Theories |
Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics |
TA Training / Orientation |
Women in Chemistry
Teaching Chemistry with Symbolic Mathematics Documents  Theresa Julia Zielinski
Given the number of topics to be addressed in upper-level chemistry courses, how can one ask teachers to add symbolic mathematics (SM) homework and projects to the mix, and how can one expect students to struggle with an SM program while trying to learn complex concepts in chemistry?
Zielinski, Theresa Julia. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1885.
Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics
Configurational Entropy Revisited  Frank L. Lambert
Statistical Mechanics |
Calorimetry / Thermochemistry |
Equilibrium |
Statistical Mechanics |
Using Computer Simulations To Teach Salt Solubility. The Role of Entropy in Solubility Equilibrium  Victor M. S. Gil and João C. M. Paiva
Pairs of salts are discussed to illustrate the interpretation of their different behavior in water in terms of the fundamental concept of entropy. The ability of computer simulations to help improve students' understanding of these chemistry concepts is also examined.
Gil, Victor M. S.; Paiva, João C. M. J. Chem. Educ. 2006, 83, 170.
Computational Chemistry |
Equilibrium |
Thermodynamics |
Solutions / Solvents |
Precipitation / Solubility
A Pedagogical Simulation of Maxwell's Demon Paradox  D. López and C. Criado
Teaching thermodynamics from the microscopic point of view can help students develop an intuitive understanding of its concepts. This program simulates, at the microscopic level, two gas chambers with an opening between them. The program allows students or their instructors to set up simulations that illustrate the thermodynamics and statistical behavior of the system. The user determines the basis for whether the demon permits or denies passage of particles through the opening using information from the microscopic level, such as specific particle velocity. Students can track and analyze how this affects particle distribution, thermal equilibrium, relaxation time, diffusion, and distribution of particle velocities.
López, D.; Criado, C. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 1679.
Statistical Mechanics |
The Formula for Ammonia Monohydrate  Stephen J. Hawkes
Perhaps one reason for the present disagreement is that Monteyne and Cracolice and the authors cited in their paper are concerned mainly with laboratory programs in general chemistry, while I am concerned with laboratory programs in organic chemistry. I believe that the organic lab, with the help of tested procedures, can provide students with a great variety of interesting experiences.
Entropy and Constraint of Motion  Frank L. Lambert
Entropy and Constraint of Motion   William B. Jensen
The Singlet States of Molecular Oxygen   Jean-Pierre Puttemans and Georges Jannes
Although the purpose of the article The Visible Spectrum of Liquid Oxygen in the General Chemistry Laboratory is an analysis of the two-moleculesone-photon absorption spectrum of oxygen, it nevertheless assigns arrangements of the electrons in an energy diagram to the two singlet states of molecular oxygen which do not seem to be correct in our opinion.
Puttemans, Jean-Pierre; Jannes, Georges. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 639.
Molecular Properties / Structure |
MO Theory |
UV-Vis Spectroscopy
Playing-Card Equilibrium  Robert M. Hanson
A simple hands-on simulation suitable for either classroom use or laboratory investigation involves using a standard deck of playing cards to explore the statistical aspects of equilibrium. Concepts that can be easily demonstrated include fluctuation around a most probable distribution, Le Chtelier's principle, the equilibrium constant, prediction of the equilibrium constant based on probability, and the effect of sample size on equilibrium fluctuations.
Hanson, Robert M. J. Chem. Educ. 2003, 80, 1271.
Equilibrium |
Statistical Mechanics |
Two Linear Correlation Coefficients  Robert de Levie
In fitting data to a straight line, many calculators and computer programs display a linear correlation coefficient. Two types of linear correlation coefficients are discussed, one often useful in chemical calculations, the other usually not.
de Levie, Robert. J. Chem. Educ. 2003, 80, 1030.
Entropy Is Simple, Qualitatively  Frank L. Lambert
Thermodynamics |
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Disorder--A Cracked Crutch for Supporting Entropy Discussions  Frank L. Lambert
Arguments against using disorder as a means of introducing and teaching entropy.
Lambert, Frank L. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 187.
A Chemistry Course with a Laboratory for Non-Science Majors  Emeric Schultz
A non-science-majors course driven by the project-focused lab agenda. Lecture topics follow an evolutionary story line starting with the Big Bang, through the development of stars and planets to life on earth. The topics of bonding, structure, and interactions are aided by molecular modeling.
Schultz, Emeric. J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 1001.
Nonmajor Courses |
Biotechnology |
Molecular Modeling
Ionic Crystals: A Simple and Safe Lecture Demonstration of the Preparation of NaI from Its Elements  Zelek S. Herman
A simple and safe classroom demonstration showing the production of sodium iodide (NaI) crystals from elemental sodium and elemental (molecular) iodine is presented. The demonstration, which is quite impressive, naturally fits into the discussion of ionic bonding and the alkali halide crystals.
Herman, Zelek S. J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 619.
Crystals / Crystallography |
Thermodynamics |
Ionic Bonding |
Crystals / Crystallography
Entropy, Disorder, and Freezing  Brian B. Laird
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Thermodynamics |
Statistical Mechanics
Shuffled Cards, Messy Desks, and Disorderly Dorm Rooms - Examples of Entropy Increase? Nonsense!  Frank L. Lambert
Simply changing the location of everyday macro objects from an arrangement that we commonly judge as orderly to one that appears disorderly is a "zero change" in the thermodynamic entropy of the objects because the number of accessible energetic microstates in any of them has not been changed.
Lambert, Frank L. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 1385.
Nonmajor Courses |
Statistical Mechanics |
Visualizing Entropy  Joseph H. Lechner
This report describes two classroom activities that help students visualize the abstract concept of entropy and apply the second law of thermodynamics to real situations.
Lechner, Joseph H. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 1382.
Statistical Mechanics |
What Should We Teach Beginners about Solubility and Solubility Products?  Stephen J. Hawkes
Solubility equilibria are best taught qualitatively in introductory chemistry, leaving the calculations to higher level courses.
Hawkes, Stephen J. J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 1179.
Solutions / Solvents |
Equilibrium |
Precipitation / Solubility
The Real Reason Why Oil and Water Don't Mix  Todd P. Silverstein
Authors should remove from their textbooks the incorrect enthalpic/hydrogen-bond explanation for the hydrophobic effect. Because aspects of the correct entropic/clathrate "cage" explanation lie beyond the scope of introductory or organic chemistry courses, it may be wisest to omit any detailed physical explanation of the "like dissolves like" phenomenon.
Silverstein, Todd P. J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 116.
Theoretical Chemistry |
Water / Water Chemistry |
Aqueous Solution Chemistry |
Solutions / Solvents
Report: ACS Division of Chemical Education
Highlights of the Las Vegas ACS Meeting
  Tom Wildeman
The education program at the recent national meeting spanned all areas of chemical education, was well attended, and, in some cases, provided great discussions.
Wildeman, Tom. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 1266.
Administrative Issues |
Why Don't Things Go Wrong More Often? Activation Energies: Maxwell's Angels, Obstacles to Murphy's Law  Frank L. Lambert
The micro-complexity of fracturing utilitarian or beautiful objects prevents assigning a characteristic activation energy even to chemically identical artifacts. Nevertheless, a qualitative EACT SOLID can be developed. Its surmounting is correlated with the radical drop in human valuation of an object when it is broken.
Lambert, Frank L. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 947.
Kinetics |
Nonmajor Courses |
Dice Shaking as an Analogy for Radioactive Decay and First Order Kinetics  Emeric Schultz
An experiment involving the shaking of sets of different sided dice is described. Dice of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 20 sides are readily available. This experiment serves as an easily understood analogy for radioactive decay and for the more general case of first order kinetics.
Schultz, Emeric. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 505.
Kinetics |
Nuclear / Radiochemistry
Chemical Equilibrium (the author replies)  Banerjee, Anil
Item 7 deserves a fuller answer than was provided.
Banerjee, Anil J. Chem. Educ. 1996, 73, A262.
Equilibrium |
Chemical Equilibrium  Logan, S. R.
Item 7 deserves a fuller answer than was provided.
Logan, S. R. J. Chem. Educ. 1996, 73, A261.
Equilibrium |
Approach to equilibrium: The wasp and beetle model. Statistical insight into how equilibrium is achieved and the stability of an equilibrium state  Chang, Albert; Larsen, Russell D.
124. A computer program provides statistical insight into how equilibrium is achieved and the stability of an equilibrium state.
Chang, Albert; Larsen, Russell D. J. Chem. Educ. 1991, 68, 297.
Thermodynamics and the bounce  Carraher, Charles E., Jr.
Molecular size and Raoult's Law  Kovac, Jeffrey
An additional cause for deviations from Raoult's Law that is rarely, if ever, mentioned in freshman chemistry texts.
Kovac, Jeffrey J. Chem. Educ. 1985, 62, 1090.
Molecular Properties / Structure |
Physical Properties |
Solutions / Solvents |
Gases |
Kinetic-Molecular Theory |
Kinetics and mechanism-a games approach  Harsch, Gunther
Using statistical games to simulate and illustrate a variety of chemical kinetics.
Harsch, Gunther J. Chem. Educ. 1984, 61, 1039.
Kinetics |
Mechanisms of Reactions |
Catalysis |
Rate Law
Entropy and its role in introductory chemistry  Bickford, Franklin R.
The concept of entropy as it applies to phase changes.
Bickford, Franklin R. J. Chem. Educ. 1982, 59, 317.
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Thermodynamics |
Solids |
Liquids |
Entropy rules in my class too!  White, Alvan D.
A simple analogy that will help students understand entropy.
White, Alvan D. J. Chem. Educ. 1981, 58, 645.
Oxidation and reduction  White, Alvan D.
A simple visual analogy of oxidation and reduction.
Oxidation / Reduction
Let's get the heck out of here!  White, Alvan D.
A football stadium is used to explain rate-determining steps.
Rate Law |
Be a millionaire - Get with the action!  White, Alvan D.
When talking about the distribution of molecular velocities, we can use money as an analogy.
Reactions |
The chemistry of life. A second semester course on color videotapes for students in life sciences  Jegl, William; Katzenellenbogen, John A.; Okamoto, Martha S.; Paul, Iain C.; Pirkle, William H.; Schmidt, Paul G.
Two main aspects of this course were: a selection of subject matter appropriate for a second-semester course for freshmen with interests in biological science, and the course was to be built around a set of video tapes.
Jegl, William; Katzenellenbogen, John A.; Okamoto, Martha S.; Paul, Iain C.; Pirkle, William H.; Schmidt, Paul G. J. Chem. Educ. 1978, 55, 225.
Freezing ice cream and making caramel topping  Plumb, Robert C.; Olson, John Otto; Bowman, Leo H.
The obscurity of "colligative properties" can be dispelled by this ice cream example.
Plumb, Robert C.; Olson, John Otto; Bowman, Leo H. J. Chem. Educ. 1976, 53, 49.
Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |
Physical Properties |
Thermodynamics |
Applications of Chemistry
Brief descriptions of the three laws of thermodynamics.
Resources in environmental chemistry. An annotated bibliography of energy and energy-related topics  Moore, John W.; Moore, Elizabeth A.
Lists of books, periodicals, and other documents; films; computer simulations; and on-line information for courses in environmental chemistry (particularly regarding energy sources).
Moore, John W.; Moore, Elizabeth A. J. Chem. Educ. 1975, 52, 288.
Dialogue  Wolke, Robert L.
Suggestions for improving the content and instruction of chemistry, particularly for the majority of students who will not major in the subject.
Wolke, Robert L. J. Chem. Educ. 1975, 52, 153.
Nonmajor Courses
Thermodynamics, folk culture, and poetry  Smith, Wayne L.
Laboratory Computing / Interfacing |
Kinetic-Molecular Theory
Chemical queries. Especially for introductory chemistry teachers  Young, J. A.; Malik, J. G.; Parris, Michael
(1) Explains how free radicals differ from species such as NO3- and NH4+. (2) Explains why HI is a stronger acid than HF in aqueous solution. - answer by Parris. (3) Explains that it is possible to alter the half-life of a some radioactive processes through chemical means.
Young, J. A.; Malik, J. G.; Parris, Michael J. Chem. Educ. 1970, 47, 697.
Free Radicals |
Acids / Bases |
Aqueous Solution Chemistry |
Nuclear / Radiochemistry |
Nuclear concepts as part of the undergraduate chemistry curriculum  Caretto, A. A., Jr.; Sugihara, T. T.
It is proposed that there are distinct advantages to a freshman curriculum that introduces nuclear concepts simultaneously with the discussion of analogous atomic and molecular concepts.
Caretto, A. A., Jr.; Sugihara, T. T. J. Chem. Educ. 1970, 47, 569.
Nuclear / Radiochemistry |
Atomic Properties / Structure
Chemical Principles in the Laboratory (Masterton, William L.; Slowinski, Emil J.; Wolsey, Wayne C.)  Bailar, John C., Jr.

Bailar, John C., Jr. J. Chem. Educ. 1969, 46, 880.
The revolution in elementary kinetics and freshman chemistry  Wolfgang, Richard
New developments in kinetics so fundamentally affect our most elementary conception of chemical change that they must inevitably be reflected in beginning courses in chemistry; includes an outline for freshmen on elementary chemical dynamics.
Wolfgang, Richard J. Chem. Educ. 1968, 45, 359.
Kinetics |
Rate Law |
Mechanisms of Reactions
The enigmatic polymorphism of iron  Myers, Clifford E.
Unusual and nontypical, elemental iron can provide the impetus for discussing important chemical principles and properties, including basic thermodynamic concepts and the phenomenon and theory of ferromagnetism.
Myers, Clifford E. J. Chem. Educ. 1966, 43, 303.
Thermodynamics |
Magnetic Properties
General chemistry: Inorganic and organic (Lee, Garth L.; Van Orden, Harris O.)  Meloy, Carl R.

Meloy, Carl R. J. Chem. Educ. 1966, 43, 166.
Demonstrating concepts of statistical thermodynamics: More on the Maxwell Demon bottle  Sussman, M. V.
The Maxwell Demon bottle can illustrate the nature of entropy, the difference between a work effect and a heat effect, the difference between reversible and irreversible work effects, the mechanical equivalent of heat, and similar intangibles.
Sussman, M. V. J. Chem. Educ. 1966, 43, 105.
Crystals / Crystallography |
Crystal Field / Ligand Field Theory
Teaching the entropy concept  Plumb, Robert C.
Presents a macroscopic lecture demonstration illustrating both potential energy and entropy driving forces and showing their interrelationship.
Plumb, Robert C. J. Chem. Educ. 1964, 41, 254.
Thermodynamics |
Statistical Mechanics
The present chemistry curriculum at The Johns Hopkins University  Kokes, R. J.
Describes the present chemistry curriculum at The Johns Hopkins University, with emphasis on the content of the introductory course.
Kokes, R. J. J. Chem. Educ. 1964, 41, 131.
Principles of chemical reaction  Sanderson, R. T.
Reactions |
Thermodynamics |
Mechanisms of Reactions |
Kinetics |
Synthesis |
Covalent Bonding |
Ionic Bonding |
Metallic Bonding
A second lecture in thermodynamics  Burton, Milton
Outlines an introduction for the three laws of thermodynamics
Chemistry (Sienko, Michell J; Plane, Robert A.)  Smith, Grant W.

Smith, Grant W. J. Chem. Educ. 1961, 38, 585.
Successful devices in teaching chemistry (Westmeyer, Paul)  Taylor, Wayne; Dutton, F. B.

Taylor, Wayne; Dutton, F. B. J. Chem. Educ. 1960, 37, 495.
Principles of chemistry (Hiller, Lejaren A.; Herber, Rolfe H.)  Hall, James L.

Hall, James L. J. Chem. Educ. 1960, 37, 495.
The principle of minimum bending of orbitals  Stewart, George H.; Eyring, Henry
The authors present a theory of valency that accounts for a variety of organic and inorganic structures in a clear and easily understood manner.
Stewart, George H.; Eyring, Henry J. Chem. Educ. 1958, 35, 550.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Molecular Properties / Structure |
Elimination Reactions
Some aspects of hydrogen bonding in inorganic chemistry  Gorman, Mel
The purpose of this review is to present some of the research which is illustrative of the methods used and the results obtained with a variety of inorganic compounds in which hydrogen bonding is one of the structural features.
Gorman, Mel J. Chem. Educ. 1956, 33, 468.
Hydrogen Bonding |
Noncovalent Interactions