American Chemical Society
Exploring Energy
When asked to list everyday objects that require energy, most people list technology that use batteries or electricity. Through hands-on exploration, young scientists discover energy is much more than just circuitry. They play with...
American Chemical Society
The Energy Efficiency of Heating Water
Can a small change in laboratory procedures save energy? Scholars test three different methods for heating water in a science lab. Then, they calculate the energy efficiency for each and compare them to determine which uses the least...
American Chemical Society
Soda Can Steam Engine
Steam engines have been around since the late 1600s, yet most pupils don't know how they work. Using an soda can, the instructor builds a simple steam engine for scholars to observe. Through a discussion, young scientists learn about the...
American Chemical Society
Exothermic, Endothermic, and Chemical Change
Scientists can't observe bonds breaking or forming, so how do they distinguish between exothermic and endothermic reactions? Young scholars complete two experiments to do just that. They monitor temperature change and calculate the...
American Chemical Society
Electrolysis of Water
Young scientists know that water is H2O, but can they prove it? Through a simple electrolysis of water demonstration, scholars see the two gases produced as a result of a chemical reaction. Because this reaction doesn't happen...
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Atp Reaction: Thermochemistry and Bonding
Determine the enthalpy of the ATP reaction.
Michael Blaber, PhD
Florida State University: Thermochemistry: Hess's Law
This article from the Florida State University provides an excellent explanation of WHY Hess's Law works and examples of how to use the law. Common mistakes are identified and explained.
Michael Blaber, PhD
Florida State Univeristy: Thermochemistry: Enthalpies of Formation
This article is provided for by the Florida State Univeristy. It contains class notes and discussion of enthalpy of formation.
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Camping Problem
Measure the enthalpy of a reaction and then create a solution warm enough to cook food.
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Coffee Problem
In this activity, students use knowledge of specific heat capacity to mix together hot coffee and cold milk to create a solution of coffee at a desired temperature. In this randomized problem, each student is given a different final...
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Determining the Heat of Reaction in Aqueous Solution
In this activity, students perform an experiment to determine the heat of a reaction.
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Coffee Problem
Use the virtual lab to determine how much milk to add to hot coffee to reach the desired temperature
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Measuring the Heat Capacity of an Engine Coolant Ii
Measure and compare the heat capacity of an unknown liquid with an unknown density.
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Camping Problem I
In this part of the MRE scenario, students measure the enthalpy of a reaction.
Chemistry Collective
Chem Collective: Camping Problem Ii
In this part of the MRE scenario, students determine change in the enthalpy of a reaction as the concentration of reactants are varied.