Explains interference colors in thin films as being due to the removal, or considerable reduction, of a certain color by destructive inteference that results in the complementary color being seen. (GA)

An experiment is presented which utilizes the current solid state technology to demonstrate electrochemical generation of hydrogen gas, direct generation of electricity for pumping water, and energy conversion efficiency. The experimental module costs about $100 and can be used repeatedly. (BB)

The preparation of eight heterocyclic compounds is described. These syntheses each take three or four hours and are suitable for undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories. (BB)

This undergraduate experiment demonstrates the effect of temperature on the rate of hydrolysis of para-nitrophenyl beta-glucoside. (BB)

An experiment is described which provides a simple example of the application of the Wittig reaction to the synthesis of unsaturated compounds. The experiment was designed with British HNC chemistry students in mind, but it is also suitable as a project-type exercise for final year GCE A-level students. (Author/BB)

Discusses how to produce sudden first-order and second-order changes in the configurations of soap films by using models whose dimensions are variable. Shows how to construct a two dimensional catastrophe machine. (GA)

Constructs a theory, using Aristotelian lines of thought, to explain Galileo's assumed experimental results that all bodies fall at the same rate, ragardless of their weight. (GA)

Explains how to demonstrate the fundamentals of one dimensional kinematics such as Newton's third law of motion, and collision between bodies, using simple materials of marbles, strings, sticky tape, drinking straws, and rubber bands. (GA)

The design and use of an instrument simulator is described. Used for student laboratory experiments illustrating the use of mini-computers, it can provide, at very low cost, a repetitive, repeatable output to duplicate the readout of various instruments such as electrochemical experiments, mass spectrometers, pulsed magnetic experiments,…

The bonding of dioxygen in metal-dioxygen complexes is discussed, paying particular attention to the problems encountered in assigning conventional oxidation numbers to both the metal center and coordinated dioxygen. Complexes of iron, cobalt, chromium, and manganese are considered. (BB)

A new, small magnetic susceptibility system is described which can be constructed from commercially available components for less than one hundred dollars for use with a standard laboratory balance. (BB)

A lecture demonstration is presented for comparing titration curves. A plot of pH vs volume of strong base is produced by connecting the external output of a pH meter to a strip recorder. Thus, pH is recorded as a function of time. (BB)

In this experiment, students prepare, isolate, and characterize two geometrical isomers of a metal coordination compound. This experiment provides a good introduction to the techniques of modern coordination chemistry. (BB)

This paper describes an attempt to evaluate the contribution of laboratory experiments on student achievement in an elementary, one-term college chemistry course and suggests some less expensive alternatives. (Author/BB)

Describes an experimental technique for determining liquid dielectric constants by measuring the rise of the liquid in a paralled-plate capacitor at a known voltage. (MLH)