This experiment was designed to help students improve the critical thinking skills that are required to analyze and discuss the results of an organic chemistry experiment in an effective manner. The initial objective indicated in the prelab handout for this puzzle experiment was the synthesis of methyl 4-bromobenzoate using the Fischer…

In this experiment, the observation that, for meta- and para-substituted styrene derivatives, the magnitude of the C-13 shielding value for the beta-carbon is linearly related to sigma for the ring substituent is used to determine sigma. (BB)

In one option for this project, the rotation-vibration infrared spectra of a number of gaseous diatomic molecules were recorded, from which the fundamental vibrational wavenumber, the force constant, the rotation-vibration interaction constant, the equilibrium rotational constant, and the equilibrium internuclear distance were determined.…

Explains a laboratory exercise where 2-methylpyrazinepentacyanoiron (II) is synthesized by thermal and photochemical pathways. (GA)

Describes a simple undergraduate experiment in chemistry dealing with the "solvent effects" in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Stresses the importance of having students learn NMR spectroscopy as a tool in analytical chemistry. (TW)

Describes an experiment in which students become familiar with the organic chemistry extraction process, perform analyses by thin layer and column chromatography, and use the absorption spectrum (obtained from a spectrophotometer) for identification. List of materials needed and procedures used are provided. (JN)

Examines the physical basis for colors of noble metals (copper, silver, gold) developed from energy conservation/quantum mechanical view of free electron photoabsorption. Describes production of absorption edges produced by change in density of occupied valence electron states in the d-band, which allows stronger absorption in the visible photon…

This literature review on chemometrics (covering December 1981 to December 1983) is organized under these headings: personal supermicrocomputers; education and books; statistics; modeling and parameter estimation; resolution; calibration; signal processing; image analysis; factor analysis; pattern recognition; optimization; artificial…

This resource book contains 40 chemistry labs and provides a single solution to the problems of purchase, storage, use, and disposal of chemicals. The text is designed to be used alone or integrated with current textbooks. A mixture of microchemistry and macrochemistry is used to provide variety and reflects trends in research and industry. Most…

This videotape recording shows students the many ways scientists look at the stars and how they can use what they see to answer questions such as What are stars made of?, How far away are they?, and How old are the stars? Students learn about the life span of stars and the various stages they pass through from protostar to main sequence star to…

This activity booklet is divided into two parts. Part One presents basic information about the electromagnetic spectrum and multiwavelength astronomy with an emphasis on X-ray astronomy. Part Two describes X-ray detectors at a more advanced level. An introduction to the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) and its contributions to science is…

An attempt to stimulate interest in solar study is made by discussing how it could fit into a physics curriculum and by describing an effective installation already in use. (DF)

Describes construction and use of pivots for science equipment and a pin-hole camera (made out of newspaper) for observing solar eclipses. Also describes a method for displaying spectra with a raybox and modification/use of a one-shot submarine (used in floating/sinking activities). (JN)

Describes an experiment enabling students to apply concept of diffraction, determine limits of their color perception, learn how to measure wavelength with a simple apparatus, observe continuous and line spectra, and associate colors with corresponding wavelengths. The homemade diffraction-grating spectrometer used is easily constructed. (JN)