The use of semiconductors as electrodes for electrochemistry requires an understanding of both solid-state physics and electrochemistry, since phenomena associated with both disciplines are seen in semiconductor/electrolyte systems. The interfacial energetics of these systems are discussed. (JN)

Photochemical data are presented to indicate how use of sensitizing dyes extends the spectral range to which the substrate semiconductor is sensitive. Data demonstrate that specific energetic requirements exist for a dye to be an effective sensitizer. Also shows how photooxidation is increased by increasing surface concentration of the dye. (JN)

Provides an overview of advances made in the field of photoelectrochemistry. Includes a short historical account of the development of the field, a review of the state-of-the-art of photoelectrochemical energy conversion and future prospects. (JN)

Discusses advantages of incorporating descriptive chemistry into the high school curriculum and strategies to facilitate teaching both theoretical and descriptive chemical concepts. Also provides lists of chemistry goals for all students and more demanding goals in theoretical/quantitative aspects of chemistry for science-oriented students. (JN)

Teratogens are agents which act during pregnancy producing physical/functional defects in the embryo, fetus, or offspring. Discusses teratogenic hazards in the workplace and academic environment, classes of teratogenic compounds, precautions for interpreting Teratogen List from Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS), and how…

After introducing the scientific method, nonscience students are given a two-part assignment: writing a research proposal and conducting the proposed research. Eight examples of student research projects are provided, including general comments about and student evaluations of the research project assignment. (JN)

A laboratory computer system based on the Commodore PET 2001 is described including three applications for the undergraduate analytical chemistry laboratory: (1) recording a UV-visible absorption spectrum; (2) recording and use of calibration curves; and (3) recording potentiometric data. Lists of data acquisition programs described are available…

Discusses danger of explosions with molten salts baths, commonly used as heat-transfer media. One such explosion involved use of a bath containing 3-lb sodium nitrite and 1-lb potassium thiocyanate. Although most commercially available mixtures for heat transfer contain oxidizers, a reducer (thiocyanate) was included which possibly triggered the…

Desorption ionization (DI) is used to obtain mass spectra of molecules whose vaporization by heating may lead to thermal degradation. Discusses DI techniques, characteristics of DI mass spectra, ion production, current applications of DI in mass spectroscopy, developments in DI, and prospects for future evolution of new DI techniques. (Author/JN)

Anxiety reduction strategies (lasting 2.5 hours) were incorporated into chemistry laboratory sessions to reduce anxiety and increase academic performance. Treatment enabled students (N=23) to recognize and talk about their chemistry anxieties and experience relaxation techniques. Results showed that treatment significantly lowered level of…

The kinetic of the Jaffe reaction with picrate ion selective electrode (ISE) and a kinetic method for determining creatinine in urine is presented. The experiment could be used to familarize students with the application of ISE in kinetic studies and chemical analysis. (Author/JN)

The RKR method for determining accurate potential energy curves is described. Advantages of using the method (compared to Morse procedure) and a TRS-80 computer program which calculates the classical turning points by an RKR method are also described. The computer program is available from the author upon request. (Author/JN)

A workshop was designed to introduce experiences with chemistry at a level appropriate to elementary school teachers with little/no background in chemistry and presented so teachers learned to do hands-on experiments appropriate for their students. A list of 16 activities (with brief descriptions) used in the workshop is included. (Author/JN)

Describes fluorescence experiments demonstrating that emitted light is at longer wavelengths than absorbed light and that fluorescence decays rapidly when the source of excitation is removed. Systems whose acidic and basic forms have different fluorescent characteristics are used to demonstrate fluorescence visible and invisible to the naked eye.…

Background information and procedures are provided for experiments in which the zinc and strontium content in bones (fossils and/or fresh mammalian samples) is analyzed to determine relative amounts of animal and vegetable foods consumed by an individual during its lifetime. (JN)