Describes a 3.33-cm wavelength (9 GHz) microwave system that achieves a high overall signal sensitivity and a well-collimated beam with moderate-size equipment. The system has been used to develop microwave versions of the Michelson interferometer, Bragg reflector, Brewster's law and total internal reflection, and Young's interference experiment.…

Describes experiments and apparatus to: (1) allow astronomy students to test resolution limit of their eyes at several wavelengths; (2) analyze laser mode phases by interferometry; (3) demonstrate a Cartesian diver with an overhead projector; and (4) generate conical beams of light for smoke-chamber demonstrations. (JN)

Outlines and discusses procedures for the preparation of lucigenin, a powerfully chemiluminescent compound. Major techniques (requiring three 4-hour sessions) involving nucleophilic and electrophilic aromatic substitution, nucleophilic aliphatic substitution, reductive coupling, and oxidation reactions include steam distillation, decolorization…

Describes the stages and outcomes of a junior high school science lesson on erosion and deposition utilizing a "kids as researchers" theme. Stages include awareness, discussion, investigation, experimentation, generalization, and extension. (SK)

A simple polarographic method is used to obtain continuous oxygen dissociation curves under a variety of conditions using a Clark oxygen electrode system. (Author/SK)

Provides background information on and experimental procedures for the preparation of sulcatol, an insect chemical. Includes physical properties of sulcatol derivatives and time required to complete experiments in the undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory. (Author/SK)

A survey of freshman chemistry laboratory manuals identified 15 questionable laboratory procedures, including the use of potentially hazardous chemicals. Alternatives are suggested for each hazard discussed (such as using a substitute solvent for benzene). (SK)

Describes materials and procedures for an experiment utilizing a live dog to demonstrate: (1) physiology of the salivary gland; (2) parasympathetic control of the salivary gland; (3) influence of varying salivary flow rates on sodium and potassium ions, osmolarity and pH; and (4) salivary secretion as an active process. (DS)

Describes a variation of the familiar laboratory investigation on the spring and mass oscillator. (SK)

The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-vinyl pyrrolidone provides a simple spectrophotometric kinetic experiment to introduce general acid catalysis, solvent isotope effects, and other aspects of ionic reactions in solution in advanced courses. The Bronsted equation and concept of linear free-energy changes is also covered. (SK)

Describes an interdisciplinary student experiment based upon the radiation effects on polymers, integrating some of the fundamentals of radiation chemistry, polymer chemistry, and material science. Also demonstrates how the information gained in the experiment has direct commercial application in product manufacture or processing. (CS)

Presents a viable laboratory experiment that demonstrates the utility of IR spectroscopy. Uses small quantities of deuterated gaseous alkanes. (CS)

An experiment is described that was developed for a course in Inorganic and Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Rutgers University to provide pharmacy students with practical experience in the thin-layer chromatography used for the analysis of urine to monitor patient compliance with drug abuse treatment programs. (JMD)

Presented is a brief history of manufacturing chocolate and an outline of production methods. Describes laboratory techniques used to monitor liquid chocolate viscosity. Discusses a simple experiment which can be performed in the classroom. (Author/CW)

Describes the Iowa General Chemistry Network that was developed to change content, teaching, and learning methods of introductory college chemistry courses. Highlights include using the Iowa Communications Network for distance education and curriculum reform, using the Internet and World Wide Web, and chemistry laboratory experiences and…