Volume 3C Number 2

Volume 3C Number 2

In This Issue

Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction
 
H. Douglas Kutz
Grafit
 
George C. Lisensky
About This Issue

John W. Moore and Jon L. Holmes
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1396

Note:
This issue is out of print.

Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction is a useful tool to explore the molecular-level aspects of the collision theory of chemical reactions. It helps students to discover cause and effect connections between the initial conditions of a simple reaction system and the outcome of the reaction. The effect of variables such as rotational energy, translational energy, and geometry on the outcome of a chemical reaction can be readily explored. Visualization of the collision at the molecular level is enhanced greatly through the use of computer animation.
The value of spreadsheets for analysis of data has been well established (1). However, the cost of installing commercial software on a large number of computers and the long time needed for inexperienced students to master spreadsheets are significant drawbacks. Even with templates to provide instructions, beginning students can, with one errant keystroke, suddenly find themselves in completely unfamiliar territory. Grafit is an inexpensive and easy-to-learn alternative--one that is capable of supporting most of the data analysis requirements of introductory science courses, especially laboratories.
In addition to Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction and Grafit, additional years of the the Journal of Chemical Education author index are included as text files. These files can readily be added to the HyperCard stack previously published (2).
Hardware and Software Requirements
Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction and Grafit require a Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic, SE/30, or any Macintosh II model. The programs have been tested using Macintosh system software versions 6.0x. Color is not supported. For classroom presentations a large monitor or overhead projection panel is recommended (3).
Literature Cited

Whisnant, David J. Chem. Educ.: Software 1989,IIB (1).
Schatz, P. F. J. Chem. Educ.: Software 1990, IIC, (1), 1415; 1991, IIIC (1), 1314.
Susskind, T. Y. J. Chem. Educ.: Software 1988, IA (1), 1624.
First Published: August 1991
Citation: Moore, J. W.; Holmes, J. L. About This Issue J. Chem. Educ. Software 3C2
Keywords:

Editorial Commentary
Things Computers Do Well
 
John W. Moore

News | Issues | CD-ROM / Video | Find It! | Technical Support | For Authors

JCE Online | Journal | Software | Internet | Happenings | About JCE | Contact JCE

Last Updated: March 19, 2001
Created: December 10, 1996 Created by: J.L. Holmes
Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.



Volume 3C Number 2

In This Issue

Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction
	H. Douglas Kutz
Grafit
	George C. Lisensky

About This Issue
John W. Moore and Jon L. Holmes University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1396

Note:	This issue is out of print.

Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction is a useful tool to explore the molecular-level aspects of the collision theory of chemical reactions. It helps students to discover cause and effect connections between the initial conditions of a simple reaction system and the outcome of the reaction. The effect of variables such as rotational energy, translational energy, and geometry on the outcome of a chemical reaction can be readily explored. Visualization of the collision at the molecular level is enhanced greatly through the use of computer animation. The value of spreadsheets for analysis of data has been well established (1). However, the cost of installing commercial software on a large number of computers and the long time needed for inexperienced students to master spreadsheets are significant drawbacks. Even with templates to provide instructions, beginning students can, with one errant keystroke, suddenly find themselves in completely unfamiliar territory. Grafit is an inexpensive and easy-to-learn alternative--one that is capable of supporting most of the data analysis requirements of introductory science courses, especially laboratories. In addition to Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction and Grafit, additional years of the the Journal of Chemical Education author index are included as text files. These files can readily be added to the HyperCard stack previously published (2). Hardware and Software Requirements Animation of an Atom-Molecule Chemical Reaction and Grafit require a Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic, SE/30, or any Macintosh II model. The programs have been tested using Macintosh system software versions 6.0x. Color is not supported. For classroom presentations a large monitor or overhead projection panel is recommended (3). Literature Cited Whisnant, David J. Chem. Educ.: Software 1989,IIB (1). Schatz, P. F. J. Chem. Educ.: Software 1990, IIC, (1), 1415; 1991, IIIC (1), 1314. Susskind, T. Y. J. Chem. Educ.: Software 1988, IA (1), 1624.


News \| Issues \| CD-ROM / Video \| Find It! \| Technical Support \| For Authors
JCE Online \| Journal \| Software \| Internet \| Happenings \| About JCE \| Contact JCE
Last Updated: March 19, 2001 Created: December 10, 1996	Created by: J.L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.