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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > November  >
Chemistry for Everyone
JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations
Dancing Crystals: A Dramatic Illustration of Intermolecular Forces
Donald W. Mundell
Department of Chemistry, Owensboro Community and Technical College, Owensboro, KY 42303

checked by James H. Maynard
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Cover
November 2007
Vol. 84 No. 11
p. 1773

Abstract
Crystals of naphthalene form on the surface of an acetone solution and dance about in an animated fashion illustrating surface tension, crystallization, and intermolecular forces. Additional experiments reveal the properties of the solution. Flows within the solutions can be visualized by various means. Previous demonstrations of surface motion are explored and compared with the dancing crystals. London, dipole–induced dipole, and dipole–dipole forces are discussed. This demonstration can be used for discussion of intermolecular forces, properties of liquids, surface tension, Marangoni effects, crystallization, solubility, and heat of solution. Video presentations are also available for this article.

Featured on the cover.

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Surface motions illustrated with photos or videos are available.
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Citation
Mundell, Donald W. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1773.
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Keywords
Aromatic Compounds; Demonstrations; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Liquids; Molecular Mechanics / Dynamics; Molecular Properties / Structure; Physical Chemistry; Physical Properties; Second-Year Undergraduate; Surface Science; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
9/19/2007
10/1/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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