The Periodic Table Videodisc: Second Edition
A. J. Banks North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8204
Note:	Order Item Number: SP-1 Ordering Information
Note--This abstract contains information on the revisions and additions to The Periodic Table Videodisc. For a full description of this issue, please read the original abstract as well. The Periodic Table Videodisc, a database of visual information about the chemical elements, was published in January 1989 (1). It is a single-sided, 12-in., CAV-type video laserdisc that includes: a picture of each element; motion video sequences that show reactions (if any) of each element with air, water, acids, and base; and still pictures that show common and not-so-common uses and applications of each element. For a description of the content of the first edition of the Periodic Table Videodisc, see the abstract that appeared in January 1989 (2). The format of the original disc has not been changed, but a number of items have been revised or added. The part of the disc that shows reaction of lithium with air has been completely revised. This reaction is now done in the same way as the reactions of sodium and potassium were done in the first edition. A cylindrical piece of lithium is cut with a knife to expose a clean surface (Figure 1) and allowed to react with oxygen and nitrogen from the air. The surface tarnishes rapidly, but not nearly as rapidly as for sodium or potassium, which requires a dissolve in the video sequence. The time elapsed is indicated on the screen, and the beginning and end of the sequence are at exactly the same frame numbers on the videodisc as the original Li + air reaction. Figure 1. A sample of lithium has just been cut to expose a clean surface to the atmosphere. View video of experiment by clicking figure above. (342 KB) The picture of beryllium has been changed to a sample that is more readily seen than in the original disc (Figure 2). Pictures of niobium and uranium have also been added. This brings the number of elements for which there is a picture to 67. Through the cooperation of the American Chemical Society we have been able to obtain video of rubidium and cesium reacting with air and with water. The demonstrators in this case are Jim and Julie Ealy. Cesium is especially interesting because of its low melting point. Under the strong lighting required for video, the sample warms above 28.5 degrees Celsius and melts as it reacts with air (Figure 3). Figure 2. A sample of beryllium is displayed in a sealed glass vial. This special issue of JCE: Software is part of an effort to provide alternative approaches that enhance teaching of descriptive chemistry. The Periodic Table Videodisc was conceived as a database of visual information about applications, properties, and chemical reactivity of the elements. It provides a broad range of reactions, all carried out in the same (or nearly the same) way so that comparisons are easily made by students. It is also designed with and without labels identifying each element, so that the video material can be used as part of a quiz or examination. The laser videodisc medium obviates concerns that normally accompany presentation of descriptive chemistry: safety, costs of materials, disposal of reaction products, time for preparation and clean up, and visibility of the presentation to all members of the class. In cases where an element or reaction can be shown safely using materials normally at hand, the videodisc provides a supplement that can show details that would be missed by students sitting far from the demonstration bench. It also provides an excellent means of reviewing reactions and properties at a later time. Figure 3. A sample of cesium slowly melting. (The clear liquid is oil under which the cesium was stored.) View video by clicking image (171 KB). Hardware and Software Requirements The Periodic Table Videodisc, Second Edition, is a 12-in., single-sided, CAV-type video laserdisc in NTSC format. (It is incompatible with the PAL standard used in many European countries.) It may be operated from any CAV-type laserdisc player using a handheld remote control keypad by entering a frame number from the image directory and then playing the video sequence that begins at that frame. The video may also be accessed using a barcode reader interfaced to the laserdisc player. (Consult the supplier of your videodisc player to ascertain whether it can be used with a barcode reader.) To make the video presentation visible to students in a classroom either a large-screen color monitor or a color video projection unit will be needed. The size of the monitor (or the need for a projection unit) depend s on the size of the class to which the presentation will be made. If the disc is to be used under computer control, the videodisc player must have a serial (RS-232) interface. Software is not supplied with the videodisc. Literature Cited Banks, A. J. The Periodic Table Videodisc JCE: Software 1989 SP-1. Banks, A. J. J. Chem. Educ. 1989 66(1) 19-20. Availability Available: January 1, 1989

First Published: January 1989

Citation: Banks, A. J. . The Periodic Table Videodisc: Second Edition J. Chem. Educ. Software SP1

Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Instructor; High School; General; Inorganic; Periodic table; Descriptive chemistry of elements

News | Issues | CD-ROM / Video | Find It! | Technical Support | For Authors
JCE Online | Journal | Software | Internet | Happenings | About JCE | Contact JCE
Last Updated: August 17, 2001 Created: December 3, 1996	Created by: J. L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu
© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.