Short articles are presented discussing the Rutherford experiment, distribution curves for 1s electrons, and titrimetric determination of the oxidation states of vanadium. (SL)

Defines the rate-controlling step in contrast to the terms rate determining and rate limiting. Discusses the usefulness of this concept in describing kinetic isotope effects, consecutive reactions, chain reactions, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions. (CW)

Describes the procedures and equipment for an experiment on the adiabatic expansion of gases suitable for demonstration and discussion in the physical chemical laboratory. The expansion produced shows how the process can change temperature and still return to a different location on an isotherm. (JN)

Presents some aspects of concept learning theory (what concepts are and how to analyze them) and proposes ways to improve the teaching of concepts in introductory chemistry courses. Emphasizes the lecture format, although ideas presented are applicable to other teaching methods. (Author/JN)

Clarifies misunderstanding of Millikan's experiment measuring charge on electrons. Most books describing the experiment indicate ionization of air in the apparatus caused liberation of electrons, and that these electrons were picked up by oil droplets. However, in Millikan's discussion, it is stated clearly that ions were attached to oil droplets.…

Discusses the importance of teaching the Bohr atom at both freshman and advanced levels. Focuses on the development of Bohr's ideas, derivation of the energies of the stationary states, and the Bohr atom in the chemistry curriculum. (SK)

Reports results of a study examining the Piagetian stages of Italian secondary school students in which student responses to three puzzles were analyzed. Compares results with studies done in the United States and the United Kingdom. (CS)

Describes an approach to quantum mechanics exploiting the periodic structure of the elements as a foundation for the quantum theory of matter. Indicates that a quantum chemistry course can be developed using this approach. (SK)

Presents a simple way to introduce Direct Methods program systems to solve phase problems in x-ray crystal structure determination. It is intended for the undergraduate chemistry student laboratory. (Author/SA)

A course designed on the theme of Napoleon's Buttons, which states that there is a connection between the chemical structure of a compound and its pivotal moments in history affecting the development of society is explained. Students liked the book choice for the course because the focus was not on straight chemistry, but the intersection of…

Reports on a screen projectable model of atomic orbitals useful in developing a student's understanding of molecular structure. (SL)

Provides an up-to-date summary of the state of the science in the field of applied atomic fluorescence spectrometry. (SL)

Second part of an article reviewing structural formulas. (SL)

Discusses the variety of explanations in organic chemistry textbooks of a physical property of organic compounds. Focuses on those concepts explaining attractive forces between molecules. Concludes that induction interactions play a major role in alkyl halides and other polar organic molecules and should be given wider exposure in chemistry texts.…