Chunk-based strategy and mnemonics have been developed to write ground state electron configurations of elements, which is a routine exercise for the higher secondary (pre-university) level general chemistry students. To assimilate a better understanding of the nature of chemical reactions, an adequate knowledge of the periodic table of elements…

Presents an experiment in which color is used as an additional characteristic when purifying and identifying crystals of two soluble salts obtained from a metathesis reaction. Indicates that the experiment has been used with both nonmajors and inorganic chemistry students in at least their third term. (JN)

Emphasizes the role that crystallography plays and has played in building up the body of chemical fact. Shows how the teaching of much of this material is illuminated by reference to crystal structures and crystallochemical relationships in all areas of chemistry. Discusses close packing, silicate structures, and salt hydrates. (CW)

Suggests polymer topics for study in inorganic chemistry courses. Commercial materials (including list of inorganic compounds utilized in polymer industry), anchored metal catalysis, polymers modified or formed by coordination, polysiloxanes, phosphazene or phosphonitrilic halide polymers, and hetergeneous polymerization catalysts are considered.…

Describes two demonstrations for college level chemistry courses including: "Electrochemical Cells Using Sodium Silicate" and "A Simple, Vivid Demonstration of Selective Precipitation." Lists materials, preparation, procedures, and precautions. (CW)

Describes an analytical technique termed the "thermostatic method" that is both conceptually and operationally simple and does not require the removal of liquid samples for analysis. Presents the theoretical background, experimental procedures, and analysis of results. (CW)

Describes an application of potentiometry to the determination of acidic and basic compounds in household cleaners in chemistry instruction. Discusses procedures and results of this experiment. (CW)

Describes a physical organic experiment in thermodynamics and kinetics for undergraduate courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or physical chemistry. Details background information, solution preparations, equipment and methods, and the suggested experiments such as determination of general-base-catalytic coefficients and the Bronsted…

Describes two introductory exercises designed to teach the fundamental ideas and methods of crystallography, and to convey some important features of inorganic and organic crystal structures to students in an advanced laboratory course. Exercises include "The Crystal Structure of NiO" and "The Crystal Structure of Beta-Fumaric Acid." (CW)

Describes a project that can be used to encourage intellectual independence in students and teach them some of the inquiry procedures used in scientific research. Discusses procedures, safety precautions, and sample results. (CW)

Described are the energetics involved in the formation of molecular hydrogen using concepts that should be familiar to students beginning the study of molecular orbital theory. Emphasized are experimental data on ionization energies. Included are two-electron atomic and molecular systems. (CW)

Defines and discusses activated complexes, transition species, and reaction intermediates in composite reactions. Stresses the importance of the precise use of language in science. (CW)

Describes a simplified redox method for total iron analysis suitable for execution in a three-hour laboratory period by general chemistry students. Discusses materials, procedures, analyses, and student performance. (CW)

Described is an analytical method that may be used to replace the more difficult, traditional approach for the analysis of silicates. It is argued that this method allows the use of smaller samples and is more sensitive than other techniques. (CW)

Describes three flame test demonstrations including "Student-Presented Demonstrations on the Colors of Transition Metal Complexes,""A Flame Test Demonstration Device," and "Vivid Flame Tests." Preparation and procedures are discussed. Included in the first demonstration is an evaluation scheme for grading student…