111
Shown here are the rotational energies for HCN as calculated by Microwave SpectroscopyTutor.
Lectures on microwave spectroscopy are commonly included in the undergraduate physical chemistry curriculum; however few institutions have microwave spectrometers in their undergraduate laboratories. This program is designed to give students a feel for the general appearance of microwave spectra and experience in calculating molecular parameters from measurements on spectra.
I
i(iHz1
rn
1488
PCB8
PBBB
3588
1ZBB
CmIRINGaL 015101111(11 PEITUIBIIIIOM
4 ;fioure shows the sDectra oenerated for HCN. From this scree?n c& rase or lower ihe temperature and watch the effect on the ctra
Animated Demonstrations Update Updated versions of four animations by Philip Pavlik (2, 3) are also included in this issue. Titles of these animations are: Hydrogen Charge Clouds
-
.
Salt
Particle in a Box, parts 1 and 2
About This Issue John W. Moore, Editor Jon L. Holmes and Nancy S. Gettys, Technical Editors University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 53706-1396 How to Use These Programs Using SIRs, one may explore the behavior of chemical systems and conduct simulated experiments of one's own (or better still, t h e students') devising. One may ask, 'What do you think happens next?" or "What would happen if...?", explore possibilities with the class, and then ask the computer to show what the chemicals actually do. The content and level of these SIRS are appropriate for introductory courses a t high school or college. 994
Journal of Chemical Education
SIRS are not intended to replace laboratories or classroom demonstrations; instead they can enhance and extend live experiments and demonstrations. For example, use SIR Unknown to generate problems involving the titration of unknown acid or base (strong or weak, monofunctional or difunctional) to determine molecular weight of the unknown. Students are given the concentration of a standard solution and a sample titration curve and must decide how much unknown to use, determine the best indicator, and read a simulated burette. Anyone who teaches the topics listed for the nineteen SIRs in this issue will find that these programs enhance classroom presentations. Microwave Spectroscopy Tutor can be used both by the instructor as a lecture aid and by students as a laboratory simulation or homework exercise. I t is suitable for use in physical chemistry and molecular spectroscopy courses. The program simulates a microwave (rotational) spectrometer, an instmment that very few universities have available for students, especially a t the undergraduate level. Hardware and Software Requirements Programs i n Series B of JCE: Software require an IBM PC-compatible microcomputer with 640K RAM, a hard disk, one floppy disk drive, and VGA or better graphics. DOS 5.0 or greater is required. In addition to these requirements, SIRs requires 4.5 MB of hard-disk space and a Microsoft compatible mouse. Effective use of SIRs requires a classroom projection device such a s a n overhead projector panel or a three-gun projector. A 486 or higher processor is recommended. SIRs will run on 286 or 386 computers but may be noticeably slower. Microwave Spectroscopy Tutor requires the DOS utility program GRAPHICS.COM in order to print. The program requires about 100 KB of hard disk space. Citations 1.Martin, J. S. SIRs: Simulations and Interactive Resources, J. Chem. Educ:Solicuore, 1994, 78,No. 2. 2. ~ a v l i kP, I. h i m a t e d Demonstrations. J. C k m Educ: Sopmore, 1992.5B,No. 2. 3. Pavlik, P I. Animated Demonstrations 11. J. Chem. Educ.: Softworn, 1993.6E. No 2.
Acknowledgment The Simulations and Interactive Resources project was begun while the author was on sabbatical leave as a 199293 CATALYST Fellow a t the University of Texas a t Austin. Some of the work was supported by a grant from the University of Calgary. The author thanks J.W. Moore, J. J . Lagowski, Ed Blackburn, Renee Semien, Frank Jenkins, and Diana Mason for valuable help, advice and criticism.
Ordering and Information To Order This Software Journal of Chemical Education: Software (often called JCE: Software) is a publication of the Journal of Chemical Education. There is an Order Form card inserted in this issue that provides price and other orderinginformation. If this card is not available or if you need additional information, contact: JCE: Software, University of WisconsinMadison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 537061396; Phone: 608/262-5153 or 1-800-991-5534; FAX: 6081265-8094;E-mail:
[email protected]. Electronic Delivery of Information Information about all of our publications (including abstracts, descriptions, updates, etc.) is also available on Internet Gopher: jcherned.chem.wisc.edu and on our World Wide Web site: http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu, using a browser such as Netscape or Mosaic.
