TIGER

Journal Articles: 65 results
A New "Bottom-Up" Framework for Teaching Chemical Bonding  Tami Levy Nahum, Rachel Mamlok-Naaman, Avi Hofstein, and Leeor Kronik
This article presents a general framework for bonding that can be presented at different levels of sophistication depending on the student's level and needs. The pedagogical strategy for teaching this model is a "bottom-up" one, starting with basic principles and ending with specific properties.
Levy Nahum, Tami; Mamlok-Naaman, Rachel; Hofstein, Avi; Kronik, Leeor. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1680.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Covalent Bonding |
Ionic Bonding |
Lewis Structures |
Materials Science |
MO Theory |
Noncovalent Interactions
Lanthanum (La) and Actinium (Ac) Should Remain in the d-block  Laurence Lavelle
This paper discusses the reasons and implications of placing lanthanum and actinium in the f-block and lutetium and lawrencium in the d-block.
Lavelle, Laurence. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1482.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Inner Transition Elements |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Transition Elements
Examining Quantum Oddities within the Context of Other Major Scientific Theories  Pablo A. Molina
This article presents an epistemological discussion on the conceptual hurdles shared by quantum theory and evolution, gravity, and special relativity, and offers students a logical structure to deal with waveparticle duality, the uncertainty principle, boundary conditions, and the quantization of energy.
Molina, Pablo A. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1229.
Quantum Chemistry |
Theoretical Chemistry
Forecasting Periodic Trends: A Semester-Long Team Exercise for Nonscience Majors  John Tierney
Teams of students in a course for nonscience majors identify trends among the properties of elements in the periodic table, use Excel to plot and produce best-fit equations to describe relationships among those properties, and apply the resulting formulas to predict and justify the properties of missing elements.
Tierney, John. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1215.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Computational Chemistry |
Main-Group Elements |
Nonmetals |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Metals |
Student-Centered Learning
Use of the Primitive Unit Cell in Understanding Subtle Features of the Cubic Close-Packed Structure  John A. Hawkins, Linda M. Soper, Jeffrey L. Rittenhouse, and Robert C. Rittenhouse
Examines the pedagogical advantages in presenting the primitive rhombohedral unit cell as a means of helping students to gain greater insight into the nature of the cubic close-packed structure.
Hawkins, John A.; Soper, Linda M.; Rittenhouse, Jeffrey L.; Rittenhouse, Robert C. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 90.
Crystals / Crystallography |
Metals |
Solids
Density Visualization  Richard L. Keiter, Whitney L. Puzey, and Erin A. Blitz
Metal rods of high purity for several elements can be used to construct a display in which their relative densities may be assessed visually.
Keiter, Richard L.; Puzey, Whitney L.; Blitz, Erin A. J. Chem. Educ. 2006, 83, 1629.
Metals |
Physical Properties |
X-ray Crystallography
Commonsense Chemistry: A Model for Understanding Students' Alternative Conceptions  Vicente Talanquer
Research results provided here indicate that many students' conceptual difficulties result from commonsense reasoning. This commonsense approach is based upon a set of assumptions about the natural world and the application of reasoning heuristics that students instinctively follow and apply without hesitating or considering other alternatives.
Talanquer, Vicente. J. Chem. Educ. 2006, 83, 811.
Learning Theories
The Use of the Free, Open-Source Program Jmol To Generate an Interactive Web Site To Teach Molecular Symmetry  Marion E. Cass and Henry S. Rzepa
Describes the use of Jmol, a free, open-source code program, for the presentation of interactive materials to teach molecular symmetry.
Cass, Marion E.; Rzepa, Henry S. J. Chem. Educ. 2005, 82, 1736.
Group Theory / Symmetry |
Molecular Properties / Structure
A Program of Computational Chemistry Exercises for the First-Semester General Chemistry Course  Scott E. Feller, Richard F. Dallinger, and Paul Caylor McKinney
A series of 13 molecular modeling exercises designed for the first-semester general chemistry course is described. The modeling exercises, which are used as both prelecture explorations and postlecture problems, increase in difficulty and in student independence.
Feller, Scott E.; Dallinger, Richard F.; McKinney, Paul Caylor. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 283.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Computational Chemistry |
Molecular Modeling |
Molecular Properties / Structure
A Qualitative Investigation of Undergraduate Chemistry Students' Macroscopic Interpretations of the Submicroscopic Structures of Molecules  Gayle Nicoll
Study of how undergraduate chemistry students (freshman through senior) translate between symbolic and submicroscopic representations of molecules by building free-form models, given the symbolic formula for the molecules, and whether these conceptions change with increased chemistry instruction.
Nicoll, Gayle. J. Chem. Educ. 2003, 80, 205.
Kinetic-Molecular Theory |
Molecular Modeling |
Qualitative Analysis
Response to Lowe's Potential-Energy-Only Models  Lowe, John P.
Discussion of the suitability of a potential-only model for the successive ionization energies of sulfur for an introductory chemistry course.
Lowe, John P. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 430.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Quantum Chemistry |
Theoretical Chemistry
Response to Lowe's Potential-Energy-Only Models (re J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 155-156)  Frank Rioux and Roger L. DeKock
Discussion of the suitability of a potential-only model for the successive ionization energies of sulfur for an introductory chemistry course.
Rioux, Frank; DeKock, Roger L. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 429.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Quantum Chemistry |
Theoretical Chemistry
Response to Potential-Energy-Only Models (re J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 155-156)  Frank Rioux and Roger L. DeKock
Example of buffering power in deviations of the pH of sodium acetate from calculated values.
Rioux, Frank; DeKock, Roger L. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 29.
Acids / Bases |
Carboxylic Acids |
pH |
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Quantum Chemistry |
Theoretical Chemistry
Melting Point, Density, and Reactivity of Metals  Michael Laing
Using melting points and densities to the predict the relative reactivities of metals.
Laing, Michael. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 1054.
Descriptive Chemistry |
Metals |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Physical Properties |
Reactions |
Thermodynamics |
Calorimetry / Thermochemistry |
Electrochemistry
LEDs: New Lamps for Old and a Paradigm for Ongoing Curriculum Modernization  S. Michael Condren, George C. Lisensky, Arthur B. Ellis, Karen J. Nordell, Thomas F. Kuech, and Steve Stockman
Summary of the key points of a white paper on LEDs as potential replacements for a significant fraction of vehicle, display, home, and workplace lighting, with substantial safety and environmental conserving benefits.
Condren, S. Michael; Lisensky, George C.; Ellis, Arthur B.; Nordell, Karen J.; Kuech, Thomas F.; Stockman, Steve. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 1033.
Materials Science |
Nanotechnology |
Semiconductors |
Solid State Chemistry |
Applications of Chemistry
Molecular Modeling in the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum  Martin B. Jones
Project to expose all chemistry students at all levels to computer-based molecular modeling.
Jones, Martin B. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 867.
Molecular Modeling |
Molecular Properties / Structure |
VSEPR Theory
Screening Percentages Based on Slater Effective Nuclear Charge as a Versatile Tool for Teaching Periodic Trends  Kimberley A. Waldron, Erin M. Fehringer, Amy E. Streeb, Jennifer E. Trosky, and Joshua J. Pearson
Using charge shielding to identify and explain trends within the periodic table.
Waldron, Kimberley A.; Fehringer, Erin M.; Streeb, Amy E.; Trosky, Jennifer E.; Pearson, Joshua J. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 635.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Theoretical Chemistry |
Atomic Properties / Structure
Electronegativity and Bond Type: Predicting Bond Type  Gordon Sproul
Important limitations with using electronegativity differences to determine bond type and recommendations for using electronegativities in general chemistry.
Sproul, Gordon. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 387.
Covalent Bonding |
Materials Science |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Ionic Bonding |
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Metallic Bonding
General Chemistry Multimedia Problems  David M. Whisnant
General Chemistry Multimedia Problems ask students questions about experiments they see. A computer presents high-quality videos of experiments, after which students respond to a question or request additional video to expand their experimental information.
Whisnant, David M. J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 1375.
A Way To Predict the Relative Stabilities of Structural Isomers  John M. Lyon
This paper discusses a method to evaluate the relative stabilities of structural isomers of inorganic and organic compounds. The method uses a simple set of rules that can be applied with only a knowledge of the electron configuration of the atoms and the periodic trends in atomic size.
Lyon, John M. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 364.
Covalent Bonding |
Diastereomers |
Molecular Properties / Structure
Why Gold and Copper Are Colored but Silver Is Not  Ariel H. Guerrero, Héctor J. Fasoli, and José Luis Costa
Interpretation of the yellow color of gold based on an adequate external electronic configuration (s1d10/s2d9) and s and d sublevels close enough to allow transition between them to proceed significantly.
Guerrero, Ariel H.; Fasoli, Hctor J.; Costa, Jos Luis. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 200.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Metals |
Descriptive Chemistry
Using Balls of Different Sports To Model the Variation of Atomic Sizes  Gabriel Pinto
In this article, an analogy is described about the order of magnitude of the variation of atomic sizes that can be used for discussion in introductory chemistry classes. The order of magnitude of this variation, involving microscopic magnitudes, is difficult for students to imagine.
Pinto, Gabriel. J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 725.
Atomic Properties / Structure
The Great Ideas of Chemistry  Ronald J. Gillespie
This paper addresses the question "What must be in General Chemistry" by asking what are the fundamental ideas of chemistry that are essential for every potential scientist, engineer and medical practitioner to understand for their professional studies and to become the chemically literate citizens of the future.
Gillespie, Ronald J. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 862.
Use of Pom Pons To Illustrate Cubic Crystal Structures  Susan G. Cady
Transposing the textbook illustrations into three dimensional structures is difficult for some students. This transitions is easier if a three dimensional model is available for examination. Several 3D models are cited. A quick to assemble, inexpensive, colorful, and durable alternative to these models and styrofoam balls is the use of olefin pom pons.
Cady, Susan G. J. Chem. Educ. 1997, 74, 794.
Molecular Properties / Structure |
Crystals / Crystallography |
Molecular Modeling
Periodic Trends for the Entropy of Elements  Thoms, Travis
Graphical representation and explanation for periodic trends in the entropy of elements.
Thoms, Travis J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 16.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Thermodynamics |
Main-Group Elements |
Transition Elements
Shell thickness of the copper-clad cent   Vanselow, Clarence H.; Forrester, Sherri R.
An exercise in determining the thickness of the copper layer of modern pennies presents the opportunities to combine good chemistry, instrumentation, simple curve fitting, and geometry to solve a simply stated problem.
Vanselow, Clarence H.; Forrester, Sherri R. J. Chem. Educ. 1993, 70, 1023.
Metals |
Quantitative Analysis |
Chemometrics
First-year college chemistry textbooks: Through the 20th century   Bailar, John C., Jr.
A study of nine American textbooks for beginning college chemistry over three-fourths of this century illuminates trends over the years.
Bailar, John C., Jr. J. Chem. Educ. 1993, 70, 695.
Periodic properties in a family of common semiconductors: Experiments with light emitting diodes  Lisensky, George C.; Penn, Rona; Geselbracht, Margret J.; Ellis, Arthur B.
The prevalence of LED's and their low cost make LED's ideal for classroom demonstrations or laboratory experiments showing the connection between periodic trends in physical/chemical properties and a common high tech device.
Lisensky, George C.; Penn, Rona; Geselbracht, Margret J.; Ellis, Arthur B. J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 151.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Semiconductors
Simulation of Rutherford's experiment  Bishop, Carl B.
Apparatus and procedure to simulate Rutherford's classic gold foil experiment.
Bishop, Carl B. J. Chem. Educ. 1990, 67, 889.
Atomic Properties / Structure
The pH of any mixture of monoprotic acids and bases  Herman, D. P.; Booth, K. K.; Parker, O. J.; Breneman, G. L.
115. Bits and pieces, 44. The pH of any mixture of monoprotic weak and strong acids and bases can be calculated. A curve can also be plotted for the titration of the mixture by any monoportic weak or strong acid or base.
Herman, D. P.; Booth, K. K.; Parker, O. J.; Breneman, G. L. J. Chem. Educ. 1990, 67, 501.
Acids / Bases |
Titration / Volumetric Analysis |
pH
Applying KC?DISCOVERER in the introductory chemistry laboratory  Furstenau, Ronald P.; Amend, John R.
115. Bits and pieces, 44. KC?DISCOVERER contains a wide variety of physical and chemical properties of the elements.
Furstenau, Ronald P.; Amend, John R. J. Chem. Educ. 1990, 67, 500.
Periodicity / Periodic Table
A formula for calculating atomic radii of metals  Ping, Mei; Xiubin, Lei; Yuankai, Wen
In this paper, the authors present a theoretical formula for calculating metallic radii.
Ping, Mei; Xiubin, Lei; Yuankai, Wen J. Chem. Educ. 1990, 67, 218.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Metals
Chemistry: Experiment and Theory (Segal, Bernice G.)  Tuttle, Thomas R., Jr.
General chemistry text.
Tuttle, Thomas R., Jr. J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, A280.
Chemistry: An Experimental Science (Bodner, George M.; Pardue, Harry L.)  Ichniowski, T. C.
General chemistry text.
Ichniowski, T. C. J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, A279.
Cold fusion as the subject of a final exam in Honors General Chemistry  Porile, Norbert T.
Seven final exam questions in honors general chemistry based on a hypothetical cold fusion process.
Porile, Norbert T. J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, 932.
Nuclear / Radiochemistry
What chemistry do our students need to learn?  Hawkes, Stephen J.
Suggested topics of importance to chemistry nonmajors.
Hawkes, Stephen J. J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, 831.
Nonmajor Courses |
Oxidation / Reduction |
Geochemistry |
Atmospheric Chemistry |
Brønsted-Lowry Acids / Bases
Utilizing ungraded writing in the chemistry classroom  Thall, Edwin; Bays, Gary
Giving students the opportunity to improve their writing (and thinking) skills through assignments on which comments are made (though not graded); includes suggestions for assigned topics.
Thall, Edwin; Bays, Gary J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, 662.
Copper is yellow  Guerrero, Ariel H.; Fasoli, Hector J.; Costa, Jose L.; de Piccardo, Susana V.
Metallic copper is really yellow, like gold.
Guerrero, Ariel H.; Fasoli, Hector J.; Costa, Jose L.; de Piccardo, Susana V. J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, 400.
Designing a periodic table: A laboratory approach  Irons, Mary E.
What follows is a laboratory approach to help students gain some insight to the relationship of the elements on the table and also to help students review the scientific method.
Irons, Mary E. J. Chem. Educ. 1989, 66, 155.
Periodicity / Periodic Table
Periodic law (Curry,E.; Chandler, J.; Mackay, L.)  Lechner, Joseph H.; Gardlund, Sharon L.
Two reviews of a software program which serves as a data base for 20 items of information on the first 103 elements.
Lechner, Joseph H.; Gardlund, Sharon L. J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65, A333.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Descriptive Chemistry
A multi-topic problem for general chemistry   Burness, James H.
A 'marathon' problem which requires specific knowledge in several areas while requiring that the student recognize how these areas are related.
Burness, James H. J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65, 145.
Stoichiometry |
Transport Properties |
Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials |
Crystals / Crystallography
Periodic contractions among the elements: Or, on being the right size  Mason, Joan
Contraction across the row, irregularities in the build up of the periodic table, the second row anomaly relativistic contraction and expansion among the heavier elements, post-transition anomaly, periodicities of physicochemical properties.
Mason, Joan J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65, 17.
Descriptive Chemistry |
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Atomic Properties / Structure
Features associated with chemical elements (FACES)  Larsen, Russell D.
72. Chemical education is in need of new and better visual representation for correlating and condensing the vast amount of experimental data that has been accumulated for chemical and physical phenomenon. The periodic table in this note represents these properties through various facial features, allowing for an identification of patterns in the table.
Larsen, Russell D. J. Chem. Educ. 1986, 63, 505.
Periodicity / Periodic Table
Descriptive chemistry in the general chemistry laboratory: A learning approach  Whisnant, David M.
Suggested laboratories for the second semester of a general chemistry course that uses a guided inquiry approach toward descriptive chemistry.
Whisnant, David M. J. Chem. Educ. 1982, 59, 792.
Descriptive Chemistry
The Nature of the Chemical Bond, Review 2 (Pauling, Linus)  Morlan, Gordon E.
Classic book on the valence-bond theory of chemical bonding.
Morlan, Gordon E. J. Chem. Educ. 1982, 59, 261.
Covalent Bonding
Building a periodic table  Fowler, Linda S.
The activity described in this paper yielded comments such as, "I've never had so much fun taking a test. That was great" and "That lady must be crazy - that was impossible". Student understanding of periodic trends are authentically challenged and assessed in this problem.
Fowler, Linda S. J. Chem. Educ. 1981, 58, 634.
Periodicity / Periodic Table
Fundamental theory of gases liquids, and solids by computer simulation. Use in the introductory course  Empedocles, Philip
The computer simulation of atomic motions presented here allows students to form a better foundation of their chemistry understanding.
Empedocles, Philip J. Chem. Educ. 1974, 51, 593.
Laboratory Computing / Interfacing |
Kinetic-Molecular Theory
Interpretation of oxidation-reduction  Goodstein, Madeline P.
Presents an interpretation of the oxidation number system based upon the electronegativity principle, thus removing the adjective "arbitrary" frequently found in the descriptions of oxidation number.
Goodstein, Madeline P. J. Chem. Educ. 1970, 47, 452.
Oxidation / Reduction |
Oxidation State |
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Reactions
LTE. Normalization of MO's  Hecht, Charles E.
The author suggests that the cited computer program be modified to normalize molecular orbitals.
Hecht, Charles E. J. Chem. Educ. 1969, 46, 700.
MO Theory |
Molecular Properties / Structure
High school courses  Briggs, A. G.
The author points out that students may be more accepting of chemistry content (such as the size of the atom) if they are allowed to experiment for themselves.
Briggs, A. G. J. Chem. Educ. 1969, 46, 700.
Atomic Properties / Structure
Chemistry in the laboratory (Gregg, Donald C.; Brown, Constance L.)  Eblin, Lawrence P.

Eblin, Lawrence P. J. Chem. Educ. 1967, 44, 61.
General chemistry exercise using atomic and molecular orbital models  Walker, Ruth A.
Styrofoam balls and pipecleaners are used to construct models designed to convey an understanding of the three-dimensionality of the electron distribution in the ground state atom and the effect of bonding on this distribution.
Walker, Ruth A. J. Chem. Educ. 1965, 42, 672.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Molecular Modeling |
Molecular Properties / Structure |
Covalent Bonding
A general chemistry experiment on clathrates  Sawyer, Albert K.
Students prepare one of two hydroquinone clathrates, one that traps methanol and another that traps hydrogen sulfide.
Sawyer, Albert K. J. Chem. Educ. 1964, 41, 661.
Separation Science
Principles of chemical reaction  Sanderson, R. T.
The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of chemical change in the hope of recognizing and setting forth the basic principles that help us to understand why they occur.
Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ. 1964, 41, 13.
Reactions |
Thermodynamics |
Mechanisms of Reactions |
Kinetics |
Synthesis |
Covalent Bonding |
Ionic Bonding |
Metallic Bonding
Non-existent compounds  Dasent, W. E.
The purpose of this review is to examine compounds that do not violate the rules of valence but which are nevertheless characterized by a high degree of instability, and to consider why these structures are unstable or non-existent.
Dasent, W. E. J. Chem. Educ. 1963, 40, 130.
Molecular Properties / Structure |
Covalent Bonding
Accurate molecular models  Godfrey, John C.
Describes the construction of molecular models that rely on plastics to represents as accurately as possible all of the physical characteristics of real molecules.
Godfrey, John C. J. Chem. Educ. 1959, 36, 140.
Molecular Modeling |
Molecular Properties / Structure
An electronic distinction between metals and nonmetals  Sanderson, R. T.
Presents a simple empirical rule for the fundamental properties that determine whether an element is metallic, metalloid, or nonmetallic.
Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ. 1957, 34, 229.
Metals |
Nonmetals |
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Metalloids / Semimetals
Some simple solid models  Campbell, J. A.
Describes the use of hard spheres to illustrate a variety of concepts with respect solids, including closest packing and the effects of temperature and alloying.
Campbell, J. A. J. Chem. Educ. 1957, 34, 210.
Solids |
Crystals / Crystallography |
Molecular Modeling
A new periodic chart with electronegativities  Sanderson, R. T.
This paper describes a new chart that has been designed to portray clearly and vividly patterns in relative atomic radius, electronic configuration, and electronegativity.
Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ. 1956, 33, 443.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Atomic Properties / Structure
A new periodic table based on the energy sequence of atomic orbitals  Walker, W. R.; Curthoys, G. C.
Since the theory of atomic and molecular orbitals has proven to be of such value in interpreting the data of inorganic chemistry, it is hoped that a new periodic table based on the energy sequence of atomic orbitals will be an aid to the further systematizing of chemical knowledge.
Walker, W. R.; Curthoys, G. C. J. Chem. Educ. 1956, 33, 69.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Atomic Properties / Structure
Regularities among the representative elements: The "paired electron rule"  Condon, F. E.
If the oxidation states characteristic of various groups are correlated in terms of electron subshells, they become reasonable and logical rather than mere facts to be memorized.
Condon, F. E. J. Chem. Educ. 1954, 31, 651.
Periodicity / Periodic Table |
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Oxidation State
Electronegativities in inorganic chemistry. III  Sanderson, R. T.
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some of the practical applications of electronegativities and charge distribution.
Sanderson, R. T. J. Chem. Educ. 1954, 31, 238.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Covalent Bonding |
Acids / Bases
Inorganic chemistryAn undeveloped resource in chemistry curricula  Sisler, Harry H.
Examines the principal theoretical concepts of inorganic chemistry, the need for inorganic chemists, and modifying the curriculum to incorporate more aspects of the inorganic chemical perspective.
Sisler, Harry H. J. Chem. Educ. 1953, 30, 551.
Cork-ball experiments on crystalline and molecular structure  Davidson, Norman
Cork balls and pins are used to construct models of crystalline and molecular structures.
Davidson, Norman J. Chem. Educ. 1952, 29, 249.
Crystals / Crystallography |
Molecular Properties / Structure |
Molecular Modeling
A periodic table showing the relative sizes of elements and their ions  Klingenberg, Joseph; Springman, Leroy
Describes a periodic chart representing the relative sizes of atoms and ions that was constructed by a senior undergraduate.
Klingenberg, Joseph; Springman, Leroy J. Chem. Educ. 1952, 29, 81.
Atomic Properties / Structure |
Periodicity / Periodic Table