Discusses topics and issues related to (1) international impact of microcomputers; (2) minimum guidelines for software development; (3) achieving minimum standards; and (4) accomplishments in the areas of introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Challenges for the future are noted. (JN)

Discusses early periodic tables; effect on the periodic table of atomic numbers; the periodic table in relation to electron distribution in the atoms of elements; terms and concepts related to the table; and the modern basis of the periodic table. Additional comments about these and other topics are included. (JN)

Describes a simple apparatus used to demonstrate the thermal conductivity of gases. Procedures for completing the demonstration are included. (JN)

Describes construction and operation of an inexpensive signal generator and a four-electrode electrochemical cell for use in voltammetric experiments. Also describes construction and operation of a four-electrode electrochemical cell used to illustrate elimination (or minimization) of background currents due to electrochemical reactions by species…

Provides information on the American Chemical Society's (ACS) 1986 testing program, listing currently available tests (includes five new tests). Also provides condensed norms for ACS examinations, including high school chemistry forms 1985 and 1985-S, general-organic-biological chemistry form 1985, general chemistry (brief version) form 1985-B,…

Discusses: (1) the design of the Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrometer; (2) the computation of the spectrum from the interferogram; and (3) the use of apodization. (Part II will discuss advantages of FT-IR over dispersive techniques and show applications of FT-IR to difficult spectroscopic measurements.) (JN)

Shows how and why the science of trace analysis is inexact and imprecise, examining general problems involved in determining amounts when the uncertainty value may be near the concentration value of the desired component and giving specific details and quality assurance steps devised by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. (JN)

Discusses methods used to date archaeological artifacts and other remains. They include: (1) nuclear dating techniques (radiocarbon dating, accelerator radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence, and others); (2) chemical dating techniques (amino acid racemization, obsidian hydration dating, elemental content changes, and thermal analysis dating); and…

Provides background information for teachers on the rate laws for reversible reactions. Indicates that although prediction of the form of the rate law for a reverse reaction given the rate law for the forward reaction is not certain, the number of possibilities is limited because of relationships described. (JN)

Provides a question (with the acceptable answer) designed to test students' ability to apply, and extend, the concept of thermodynamic work discussed in the classroom. The question was originally designed as a part of a take-home examination. (JN)

After noting the grounds for labelling structures as incorrect, the guidelines for selecting which Lewis structures are most important for a molecule are introduced. Several examples of appropriate Lewis structures and the fine structural predictions that are possible are included. (JN)

Advantages of representing ternary and quaternary composition diagrams by means of rectangular coordinates were pointed out in a previous paper (EJ 288 693). A further advantage of that approach is that analytic geometry, based on rectangular coordinates, is directly applicable as demonstrated by the examples presented. (JN)

Discusses: (1) the Curtin-Hammett (C-H) equation; (2) a direct relationship between product ratio and conformer distribution; (3) the Winstein-Holness (W-H) equation; (4) a combined kinetic treatment using a C-H/W-H utility; and (5) extensions of the C-H/W-H concepts. (JN)

Andy S. W. Sae shows how to stimulate interest in science by using a chemical magic show for teaching at the pre-high school level. Richard D. Barnes describes Kinderchem, a visiting science program for the elementary classroom. (JN)

Background information, procedures used, and typical results obtained are provided for an experiment in which students prepare and study the characteristics of a "slime." A list of general, inorganic, and polymer chemistry concepts fostered in the experiment is included. (JN)