Interprets the physical quantity, extent of reaction, as it is used to describe yields, rates, and energy changes associated with chemical reactions in a quantitative manner. (CS)

Presents information concerning a fundamental concept for understanding reaction rate, the idea of a rate-limiting step for a chemical reaction. Discusses problems in using flow analogies and introduces an alternative approach to finding the rate-limiting step based on locating the transition state of highest energy. (CS)

Focuses on the chemistry of fibers commonly used by artists. Presents information regarding the reactions of these fibers to dyes, bleaches, solvents, and other selected agents of design. Tables provide a classification of natural and manufactured fibers, characteristics, chemical formulas and reactions of selected fibers, and characteristics of…

Discusses the concept of equilibrium in chemical systems, particularly in relation to predicting the position of equilibrium, predicting spontaneity of a reaction, quantitative applications of the equilibrium constant, heterogeneous equilibrium, determination of the solubility product constant, common-ion effect, and dissolution of precipitates.…

Outlines a variety of laboratory procedures, discussions, and demonstrations including polarizing power and chemical properties of copper and zinc, preparation of boron coordination complex, demonstration of amino-acid synthesis in the primordial environment, classification and reactions of carbohydrates, and four others. (DS)

Compares traditional and newer methods by which microorganisms are used to produce industrial chemicals. Includes a discussion of economic considerations and new genetic methods in programing microorganisms. Details methods for producing enzymes, aliphatic organic compounds, amino acids, ethanol, n-butanol, and alkene oxides. (CS)

Describes how Gibbs valley graphs can clarify the relation between the Gibbs function and chemical equilibrium. Gives examples from gas phase equilibria. (CS)

Lists equipment and materials needed and procedures for analyzing soil, in which secondary school students experience practical applications to acid-base reactions, pH, oxidation-reduction, precipitation and solubility. (CS)

Discusses the properties of laser light, reviews types of lasers, presents operating principles, and considers mechanical aspects of laser light production. Applications reviewed include spectroscopy, photochemical reaction initiation, and investigation of biological processes involving porphyrins. (JM)

Describes how a sulfate-iodide "clock reaction" experiment can be used to emphasize the importance of observations and hypotheses in revealing cause-effect relationships. Investigative steps, theory, experimental principle, procedure, and the experiment report are discussed. (CS)

Describes an undergraduate laboratory experiment using viscosity to follow the progress of the contractile process in muscles. This simple, short experiment illustrates the action of ATP as the source of energy in the contractile process and the catalytic effect of calcium ions as a control in the energy producing process. (CS)

Describes an approach to titration curves which eliminates the choice of approximations and the algebraic complexity of accurately solving for hydrogen ion concentration. This technique regards moles of titrant as the dependent variable. (CS)

Reviews interesting and useful electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of the organic solid state. Offers speculation as to areas of fruitful research. Discusses organic superconductors, conducting organic polymers, organic metals, and traces recent history of creation of organic metals. (JM)

Summarizes steps involved in a systematic method for balancing redox equations by inspection. (CS)

Presents three different procedures in which reagents are added in a specified order to a large beaker containing an aqueous solution of nickel sulfate. Complex ions of nickel (II) are prepared by using aqueous solutions of ammonia, ethylenediamine, dimethylglyoxime, and cyanide ion. (CS)