Volume 1D Number 1

Volume 1D Number 1

In This Issue

AnswerSheets
 
Richard Cornelius
DYNAM: Molecular Dynamics Simulator
 
G. Peter Matthews
Polytechnic South West, Plymouth, England
Emerson F. Heald
Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125
Equilibrium Calculator
 
Robert D. Allendoerfer
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.

This issue is the first in JCE: Software's new Series D for IBM PS/2 and PC compatibles running Windows. Even though Windows programs can appear in Series B (and two have already (1, 2), the availability of many more has led us to initiate this new software series. Series D's existence indicates the degree to which software is developing and maturing; the software in this first issue gives a good overview of how those developments are proceeding.
AnswerSheets by Richard Cornelius is a series of spreadsheet macros that allow general-chemistry students to enter their own questions and obtain answers. An example of its use is that individualized homework could be assigned and students could later obtain answers to their specific assignment from the computer. AnswerSheets makes effective use of the Windows environment and Microsoft Excel. Programming in a super-high level language (the spreadsheet) means that IBM and Macintosh versions may be developed simultaneously and many difficulties that might result from software and hardware updates will be alleviated.

Graphs of Equilibrium Calculator Results.
Molecular Dynamics Simulator by Matthews and Heald shows molecular motion in a 32-molecule sample of any one of several possible substances. By changing temperature and number density of molecules the solid, liquid, and gaseous states can all be shown. Molecular Dynamics could be used at the introductory level to provide visualization of molecular motions in the three states, or it could be used in more advanced courses where students could explore parameters such as temperature, number density, and type of molecule.
Equilibrium Calculator is a tool that can calculate equilibrium concentrations for very complex reactions, yet is simple to use. It raises the question whether solving quadratic equations or interpreting computer-calculated equilibrium concentrations in a variety of related systems is more important for beginning chemistry students.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Series D of JCE: Software requires Microsoft Windows version 3.0 or later and associated hardware as defined by Microsoft. We recommend an IBM-PC/AT, PS/2, or compatible computer with a 80386 or higher processor, a minimum of 4 MB of memory, a hard disk, one floppy disk drive to install the software, and a Windows-compatible graphics card, such as an IBM VGA or a Super VGA adapter with a compatible color monitor, and a mouse. DOS version 5.0 or later is highly recommended.
In addition to the hardware and software recommended above, AnswerSheets requires Microsoft Excel version 3.0 or greater. Molecular Dynamics Simulator benefits greatly from the presence of a math coprocessor, which is highly recommended. Equilibrium Calculator requires only the software and hardware listed above, but for complicated equilibria may benefit from a math coprocessor.
Literature Cited

Whisnant, D.; McCormick, J. J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1992, V B (1).
Whisnant, D.; McCormick, J. J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1992, V B (2).
First Published: June 1993
Citation: Moore, J. W.; Holmes, J. L. About This Issue J. Chem. Educ. Software 1D1
Keywords:

Editorial Commentary
Why Windows?
 
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 1D Number 1

In This Issue

AnswerSheets
	Richard Cornelius
DYNAM: Molecular Dynamics Simulator
	G. Peter Matthews Polytechnic South West, Plymouth, England Emerson F. Heald Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125
Equilibrium Calculator
	Robert D. Allendoerfer

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.

This issue is the first in JCE: Software's new Series D for IBM PS/2 and PC compatibles running Windows. Even though Windows programs can appear in Series B (and two have already (1, 2), the availability of many more has led us to initiate this new software series. Series D's existence indicates the degree to which software is developing and maturing; the software in this first issue gives a good overview of how those developments are proceeding. AnswerSheets by Richard Cornelius is a series of spreadsheet macros that allow general-chemistry students to enter their own questions and obtain answers. An example of its use is that individualized homework could be assigned and students could later obtain answers to their specific assignment from the computer. AnswerSheets makes effective use of the Windows environment and Microsoft Excel. Programming in a super-high level language (the spreadsheet) means that IBM and Macintosh versions may be developed simultaneously and many difficulties that might result from software and hardware updates will be alleviated. Graphs of Equilibrium Calculator Results. Molecular Dynamics Simulator by Matthews and Heald shows molecular motion in a 32-molecule sample of any one of several possible substances. By changing temperature and number density of molecules the solid, liquid, and gaseous states can all be shown. Molecular Dynamics could be used at the introductory level to provide visualization of molecular motions in the three states, or it could be used in more advanced courses where students could explore parameters such as temperature, number density, and type of molecule. Equilibrium Calculator is a tool that can calculate equilibrium concentrations for very complex reactions, yet is simple to use. It raises the question whether solving quadratic equations or interpreting computer-calculated equilibrium concentrations in a variety of related systems is more important for beginning chemistry students. Hardware and Software Requirements Series D of JCE: Software requires Microsoft Windows version 3.0 or later and associated hardware as defined by Microsoft. We recommend an IBM-PC/AT, PS/2, or compatible computer with a 80386 or higher processor, a minimum of 4 MB of memory, a hard disk, one floppy disk drive to install the software, and a Windows-compatible graphics card, such as an IBM VGA or a Super VGA adapter with a compatible color monitor, and a mouse. DOS version 5.0 or later is highly recommended. In addition to the hardware and software recommended above, AnswerSheets requires Microsoft Excel version 3.0 or greater. Molecular Dynamics Simulator benefits greatly from the presence of a math coprocessor, which is highly recommended. Equilibrium Calculator requires only the software and hardware listed above, but for complicated equilibria may benefit from a math coprocessor. Literature Cited Whisnant, D.; McCormick, J. J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1992, V B (1). Whisnant, D.; McCormick, J. J. Chem. Educ.: Software, 1992, V B (2).


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.