electrochemistry

JCE 97.12 December 2020 Issue Highlights

Mary Saecker | Sun, 12/27/2020 - 14:17

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The December 2020 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: teaching during COVID-19; examining models used by students; chemical structure; game-based learning; interdisciplinary courses; teaching chemistry using plants; laboratory instruction with real-world context; fluorescence; exploring spectroscopy; thermodynamics; chemical education research; from the archives: photography.

Chemical Tests on Coins

Tom Kuntzleman | Mon, 09/16/2019 - 20:07

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Simple chemical tests are described that can indicate the presence of certain metals in coins. A wide variety of chemical concepts are involved. The experiments described are a natural fit for the 2019 National Chemistry Week theme of "Marvelous Metals!"

Why Do Dead Batteries Bounce? Chemistry, of Course!

Tom Kuntzleman | Fri, 04/05/2019 - 07:16

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Did you know there is a simple test you can do to see if an alkaline battery is fresh or dead? All you need to do is bounce the bottom of a battery onto a hard, flat surface. Guess what causes this difference in bouncing ability between fresh and dead batteries? Chemistry, of course!

JCE 95.09 September 2018 Issue Highlights

Mary Saecker | Thu, 09/13/2018 - 12:25

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The September 2018 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education is now available online to subscribers. Topics featured in this issue include: reticular chemistry; laboratory research experience for students; historical perspective; chemistry and the environment; laboratories using color to understand chemistry; electrochemistry laboratories; DIY instrumentation; organic semiconductors; orbitals; computer-based learning and computational chemistry; from the archives: paper chromatography.

Build Your Own Hoffman Apparatus

Deanna Cullen | Tue, 07/25/2017 - 12:03

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Students can build their own Hoffman apparatus. An animation of the electrolysis on a particulate level is available to show students before, during or after students perform the electrolysis.

Silver Plated Bulbs

Deanna Cullen | Mon, 12/19/2016 - 13:16

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I have used several different versions of the Silver Mirror or Tollen's Test lab. I am sharing the method that has proven to be the most reliable for me. The solutions should be made fresh, the directions must be followed closely and timing is very important. I like the fact that relatively small amounts of the chemicals are required, but as always you must be vigilant with safety precautions.

An Easy Copper Electroplating Demo for Your Redox Unit

Lowell Thomson | Sun, 11/20/2016 - 02:00

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My IB seniors are just wrapping up our unit on electrochemistry and redox. This has always been a challenging topic within the IB curriculum. Admittedly, electrochemistry has not ever been my strong suit either, so this year I aimed to strengthen the unit with two additional demonstrations.

Using Chemistry to Find that Silver Lining

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 03/03/2016 - 08:29

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The chemistry of silver and the process in which silver becomes tarnished is explored. Take a new look at an old JCE Classroom Activity.

Chemistry Summer Camp - Day 4: Exploring Voltaic and Electrolytic Cells

Dan Meyers | Mon, 07/27/2015 - 10:54

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During our recent chemistry summer camp, we used some electrochemistry activities. We had some logistical issues, but they were an overal success!

Aluminum & Air Battery

In this Activity, students construct a simple battery from aluminum foil, saltwater, and activated charcoal. The battery can power a small motor or light. This Activity demonstrates oxidation and reduction reactions, which are integral parts of battery chemistry.