H atom radial factors

Submitted by Maggie Geselbracht / Reed College on Sun, 01/27/2008 - 17:46
Description

This is an Excel spreadsheet that contains the radial factors of the H-atom wavefunctions for the 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, and 4s orbitals as a function of multiples of the Bohr radius.  Plots are also included of the radial factors (R) vs. r and the radial probability distribution (4πr2R2) vs. r.  These can be used during lecture to illustrate to students how these plots change for each type of orbital, or for different principal quantum numbers, or for changing effective nuclear charge.

From molecules to solids: Lewis structures

Submitted by Barbara Reisner / James Madison University on Sun, 11/18/2007 - 13:19
Description

I have students construct Lewis structures on the board starting at the noble gases and working backwards to the group 14 elements.  We talk about both second period then heavier elements.  As we move across the period we transition from molecular solids to extended solids.  

This is a nice transition from molecular chemistry to extended compounds.  I use this as a bridge into the solid state portion of the course because it allows me to review Lewis structures, trends in bond energies, and provide some descriptive chemistry information. 

Athletic Periodic Trends Review

Submitted by Lori Watson / Earlham College on Sat, 11/17/2007 - 18:18
Description

­In this activity, students self-organize according to periodic trends. I print out the attached cards onto card stock (each page will contain two) and hand them out to the students (one to each). Generally, we go outside and I shout out periodic trends (i.e. size, polarizability, ionization energy, Zeff etc.) and the students run to get in line in the correct order.  I have a bell which I ding if correct, and a buzzer that I sound if incorrect. If incorrect, they have to try again.