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1999
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In the Classroom
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In Search of a Deep Understanding of Cu2+/0 and Zn2+/0 E° Values
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Steven H. Strauss
Colorado State University, Department of Chemistry, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1872
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August 1999
Vol. 76 No. 8
p. 1095
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| Abstract |
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This paper presents an example of an interesting way to introduce periodic trends in undergraduate inorganic chemistry courses. The student, guided by the instructor, "investigates" the significantly different M2+/0 E° values for two adjacent period 4 elements, copper and zinc, as though the investigation were a research project. Periodic trends involving M2+/0 reduction potentials (M = Ca, Ti-Zn), M2+ hydration energies, first and second ionization energies of Ca-Zn, and sublimation energies of Ca-Zn are investigated on a need-to-know basis, and the student learns how a deep understanding of chemical reactivity can result only when layer upon layer of complexity is peeled back and examined. All of the metals from calcium through zinc react with aqueous HCl, except for copper. However, after studying the copper/zinc "problem", the student will realize that zinc, and not copper, is the metal that behaves in an unusual fashion. Since lectures based on this material would be integrated and have a common theme, the periodic trends may be more meaningful to the student and may not seem like so many disjointed concepts to be memorized.
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| More Information |
 Citation |
Strauss, Steven H. J. Chem. Educ. 1999 76 1095.
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Keywords |
Inorganic Chemistry; Periodicity / Periodic Table; Transition Elements; Descriptive Chemistry; Redox Reactions
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
July 8, 1999
June 23, 2005
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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
1999
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1095
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