Presents information concerning a fundamental concept for understanding reaction rate, the idea of a rate-limiting step for a chemical reaction. Discusses problems in using flow analogies and introduces an alternative approach to finding the rate-limiting step based on locating the transition state of highest energy. (CS)

Describes various uses for balloons in chemistry instruction, such as their use as stirring devices, gas reservoirs, sources of carbon dioxide, and as atomic models. (CS)

Provides background information designed to aid a physical chemistry student in using the virial equation of state in deriving expressions for other thermodynamic properties, such as writing the Joule and Joule-Thomson coefficients in terms of virial expansions. (CS)

Discusses O'Neill's proposal for the colonization of space as it offers new problems in pure physics. Addresses specifically the distribution of the atmosphere in O'Neill's habitat and whether there will be enough air at the axis of rotation to allow human-powered flight, with particular reference to the habitat's "artificial gravity."…

Summarizes steps involved in a systematic method for balancing redox equations by inspection. (CS)

Reviews characteristics of coordination chemistry, the study of coordination compounds, a major focal point for the inorganic chemist. Provides a brief history regarding the Wernerian System and background information in modern coordination theory. (CS)

Presents a procedure for evaluating the required integrals for undergraduate students attempting to understand the consequences of perturbation theory. (CS)

Discusses the concept of equilibrium in chemical systems, particularly in relation to predicting the position of equilibrium, predicting spontaneity of a reaction, quantitative applications of the equilibrium constant, heterogeneous equilibrium, determination of the solubility product constant, common-ion effect, and dissolution of precipitates.…

Describes a method, using simple algebraic notation, for calculating the nature of the salient features of a sugar pyranoid ring, the steric disposition of substituents about the reference, and the anomeric carbon atoms contained within the ring. (CS)

Provides an alternative derivation of the Boltzmann distribution based on the minimization of the Helmholtz free energy. (CS)

Provides information concerning the Boltzmann distribution mentioning partition functions, spectroscopy, basic mathematics, and its relation to temperature distribution. (CS)

Presents and discusses a procedure for estimating the dissociation energies of diatomic molecules by taking into account experimentally observable parameters. (CS)

Describes an approach to titration curves which eliminates the choice of approximations and the algebraic complexity of accurately solving for hydrogen ion concentration. This technique regards moles of titrant as the dependent variable. (CS)

Presents a scheme that illustrates the interdependence of proteins and nucleic acids in hereditary functions, built around the arguments and assertions on the nature and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins presented in current texts. Provides background information in DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and a combined "hereditary system." (CS)

Describes how Gibbs valley graphs can clarify the relation between the Gibbs function and chemical equilibrium. Gives examples from gas phase equilibria. (CS)