Discusses six common problems which may occur when using temporary labels on chemicals, samples, or mixtures in teaching or research laboratories. Solutions to each of these problems are offered. (JN)

Describes a simplified method of preparing 35mm projection slides with a minimum of equipment and expertise. The quality of these slides compares favorably to professionally produced diazo slides. Twenty-five slides can easily be prepared in less than three hours. Material cost per slide is comparable to professional color slide processing. (JN)

Shows how the rate of reaction can be studied using a simple electronic device that overcomes the difficulty students encounter in solving the differential equations describing chemical equilibrium. The device, used in conjunction with an oscilloscope, supplies the voltages that represent the chemical variables that take part in the equilibrium.…

Background information, procedures, and results are presented for experiments on the pyridoxal/metal ion model system. These experiments illustrate catalysis through Schiff's base formation between aldehydes/ketones and primary amines, catalysis by metal ions, and the predictable manner in which metal ions inhibit or catalyze reactions. (JN)

Describes an undergraduate polymer laboratory program in which the laboratory simulates an industrial organization. The goals of the program are to foster an understanding of the properties of polymers and how they change, their preparation, and industrial application. (JN)

Continues a discussion of magnetic fluids by providing background information on and procedures for conducting several demonstrations. Indicates that, with a little patience and ingenuity, only modest magnetic fields and about 20 ml of low-viscosity, commercial magnetite-water-based magnetic fluid are required. (JN)

Although indicators are omnipresent tools in aqueous chemistry, they have not been used extensively to assign solvent properties in nonaqueous systems. Therefore, recent research into a system of metal complexes that can be used to assign donor and acceptor numbers to nonaqueous solvents is summarized. Pertinent experiments are also described. (JN)

Matrix methods and oxidation-number methods are currently advocated and used for balancing equations. This article shows how balancing equations can be introduced by a third method which is related to a fundamental principle, is easy to learn, and is powerful in its application. (JN)

Reports on a project used in a junior-level laboratory in which students prepare two alcohols, characterize these compounds, and use a shift reagent for structure determination and peak assignment. Background information, materials needed, procedures used, and typical results obtained are included. (JN)

Explains relationships between energy intake and expenditure focusing on the cellular, chemical and neural mechanisms involved in regulation of energy balance. Information is referenced specifically to conditions of obesity. (Physicians may earn continuing education credit by completing an appended test). (ML)

American Chemical Society's Directory of Graduate Research has been put online. Information on faculty research interests and demographics at United States and Canadian universities offering chemical sciences graduate degrees can be retrieved. New concordance codes permit searching at different hierarchical levels, thus providing more information…

Reports the top 25 schools having the most chemistry graduates for 1983-84, providing separate lists of total bachelor graduates, certified bachelor graduates, masters graduates, and doctoral graduates. The University of Ilinois, Urbana-Champaign heads the list of total bachelor graduates (N=139) and certified bachelor graduates (N=69). (DH)

Examined Australian medical school students' (N=150) conceptual frameworks and reasoning patterns related to natural selection. Results indicate that the majority believed that evolutionary changes occur as a result of need. Implications related to student learning and to science and medical education are considered. (JN)

Presents information on the moment of inertia of a tennis racket about its principal axes. This information (not available from conventional sources) is useful since it influences how the racket plays and how the racket feels when it is swung. In addition, measurements of motion can be easily made by undergraduate students. (JN)

Gel filtration is a form of liquid chromatography that separates molecules primarily on the basis of their size. Advantages of using this technique, theoretical aspects, and experiments (including procedures used) are discussed. Several questions for students to answer (with answers) are also provided. (JN)