Discussed and described are several types of chemical bonds: (1) ionic bonds; (2) covalent bonds; (3) hydrogen bonds; (4) bonds in the solid state; and (5) variation in bond strengths. (RH)

Recommends using a simple image, such as the fuzzy atom ball to help students develop a useful understanding of the molecular world. Explains that the image helps students easily grasp ideas about atoms and molecules and leads naturally to more advanced ideas of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and quantum physics. (Author/NB)

Investigates the impact an undergraduate quantum chemistry course has on students' knowledge and understanding of atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals, and related concepts. Analysis reveals that students do not have a clear understanding of these concepts and confuse the various atomic orbital representations. Includes some suggestions and…

Discussed are the molecular electronic terms which can arise from a given electronic configuration. Considered are simple cases, molecular states, direct products, closed shells, and open shells. Two examples are provided. (CW)

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)

Presents calculations that suggest stoichiometric, ionic, and noble gas-metal compounds may be stable. Bases calculations on estimated values of electron affinity, anionic radius for the noble gases and for the Born exponents of resulting crystals. Suggests the desirability of experiments designed to prepare compounds containing anionic,…

Discusses the significance of periodicity and covalent atomic radius among the elements. Describes contraction across the row, expansion down the group, irregularities in the buildup of the periodic table and periodicities of physiochemical properties. (CW)

Three aspects of quantum mechanics in modern chemistry are stressed: the fundamental structure of quantum mechanics as a basis of chemical applications, the relationship of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular structure, and the consequent implications for chemical education. A list of 64 references is included. (CW)

Discusses the difficulties that some students have in understanding the concept of chemical reactions. Proposes that instructors try to consider the various difficulties during a chemistry course when students form their concepts of element conservation. (TW)

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.…

Presents the exploded structure method for determination of oxidation states in covalently bound atoms. The three step method is illustrated with four examples and compared to popular textbook presentations. (JM)

Described is the use of analogy in teaching abstract chemical concepts. A foreign universe is postulated and nuts, bolts, and washers play the roles of atoms and molecules in this universe. (DS)

Proposed is a more didactic version of the electronic periodic table than is being used. The background and use of the numeric system is detailed and illustrated. (CW)

Discusses electron-loss spectroscopy and the experimentally observed excitation energies in terms of qualitative MO theory. Reviews information on photoelectron spectroscopy and electron transmission spectroscopy and their relation to the occupied and unoccupied orbital levels. Focuses on teaching applications. (ML)

Gives the background history of the simultaneous discovery of acid-base relationships by Johannes Bronsted and Thomas Lowry. Provides a brief biographical sketch of each. Discusses their concept of acids and bases in some detail. (CW)