The theory of ecological competition, as used to explain community structure and specialization within species, also applies to the problem of coexistence among fast-food restaurants. This analogy is used in a simple laboratory exercise designed to teach competition theory and start students thinking about the urban environment from an ecological…

Briefly discusses three techniques for assessing amount of ammonia present in household cleaners. Because of disadvantages with these methods, the thermometric titration technique is suggested in which students judge the best buy based on relative cost of ammonia present in samples. Laboratory procedures, typical results, and reactions involved…

Describes a low-cost, senior-level, instrumental analysis experiment in which a home-made potassium tubular flow-through electrode is constructed and incorporated into a flow injection analysis system (FIA). Also describes experiments for evaluating the electrode's response properties, examining basic FIA concepts, and determining potassium in…

When salt (NaCl) is introduced into a colorless flame, a bright yellow light (characteristic of sodium) is produced. Why doesn't the chlorine produce a characteristic color of light? The answer to this question is provided, indicating that the flame does not excite the appropriate energy levels in chlorine. (JN)

Fingernail growth rates are easily measured over a period of a few weeks and provide opportunities for students to improve graphing skills. Fingernail growth rates are approximately the same as sea-floor spreading rates and can be used for comparing the rates of other geological processes such as tectonic uplift. (Author/JN)

Provides a rigorous but straightforward thermodynamic treatment of the temperature dependence of the solubility of solids in liquids that is suitable for presentation to undergraduates, suggesting how to approach the qualitative aspects of the subject for freshmen. Considers unsolvated/solvated solutes and Le Chatelier's principle. (JN)

Discusses reasons why the original van Deemter equation should no longer be taught and why three other equations, better representing chromatographic dispersion, are preferred. Also discusses underlying phenomena in terms that can be transmitted to sophomores. (JN)

Presents an experiment in which color is used as an additional characteristic when purifying and identifying crystals of two soluble salts obtained from a metathesis reaction. Indicates that the experiment has been used with both nonmajors and inorganic chemistry students in at least their third term. (JN)

Discusses evidence suggesting that man only recently diverged from the apes. The evidence, still disputed by some scientists, has caused many others to revise their thinking as to when and how the human line originated. (JN)

Discusses cognitive mechanisms facilitating effective problem solving in physics (mechanics). Considers content, organization, and description of the knowledge base facilitating scientific problem solving. Also considers procedures used to describe and analyze a problem initially, to search for its solution, and to assess the solution. Educational…

In November 1982, 10 college physics teachers visited universities and other sites in the People's Republic of China. Discusses this tour, focusing on the quality of life in China and physics at Chinese universities. The latter discussion includes various aspects of physics curriculum, instruction, and research. (JN)

Describes a graduate-level tectonics course which includes the historical basis for modern tectonics concepts and an in-depth review of pros/cons of plate tectonics. Tectonic features discussed include: ocean basins; volcanic arcs; continental margins; continents; orogenic belts; foreland fold and thrust belts; volcanic/plutonic belts of orogens;…

Describes laboratory workstations which provide direct connection for monitoring and control of analytical instruments such as pH meters, spectrophotometers, temperature, and chromatographic instruments. This is accomplished through analog/digital and digital/analog converters for analog signals and input/output devices for on/off signals.…

Presented are sources of information on a wide range of topics related to microcomputers in general and chemistry in particular. Sources described include "Journal of Chemical Education,""Collegiate Microcomputer,""SIAM News,""Creative Computing,""Byte," and others. Types of articles/information found in these publications are briefly considered.…

Process synthesis is the specification of chemical and physical operations and the selection and interconnection of equipment to implement these operations to effect desired chemical processing transformations. Optimization and evolutionary and systematic generation process synthesis approaches are described. (Author/SK)