quantum chemistry

Schrödinger’s Chef: Quantum superposition and the result-less-ness of unperformed experiments

Joseph Lomax | Wed, 05/21/2025 - 18:16

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A pre-dinner conversation leads to a different way of thinking about quantum superposition. A meal from an idiosyncratic chef is not defined until “the reveal.” Discussion of this leads to the statement by Asher Peres that “unperformed experiments have no results.” Discussion of Peres’ statement, then contrasting versions of resultlessness in both macroscopic and quantum realms, leads to classroom discussion. This, hopefully, creates an easier and deeper understanding of quantum mechanics.

Introducing the Quantum Mechanical Model using Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Kristen Drury | Mon, 12/13/2021 - 06:47

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A new lesson that uses PES evidence to drive the instruction that would allow the students to identify the limitations of the Bohr model and introduce the Quantum Mechanical Model .

Counting Orbitals I: The 'Ah-ha! Moment' and Quantum Numbers

Joseph Lomax | Sun, 10/24/2021 - 09:53

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Quantum mechanics is a proverbially and quintessentially challenging topic. It is the poster-child of difficulty in chemistry. Setting up the discussion for the four quantum numbers is fraught with potential and confusion. In this post learn about a different way to teach about orbitals.

Stamp of the Week #2

Michael Morgan | Thu, 04/16/2020 - 16:30

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Germany issued a pair of stamps that honor two fundamentally huge accomplishments in science in 1994. The Quantum Theory and Ohm’s Law. They were really well designed stamps and very accurate in their science.

The Chemical Laser Show

Tom Kuntzleman | Sat, 12/07/2019 - 20:06

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Chemistry and lasers can be used to create a demonstration that includes several colors and flashing lights. This demonstration connects to topics in quantum chemistry and phase changes.

Giving Students a Working Model to Explain Interactions Between Matter and Light

Scott Milam | Thu, 10/18/2018 - 22:27

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Light is a challenging topic in chemistry. In this article, I share an outline of how I approach the content related to interactions between matter and light using activities, a simulation, demonstrations and whiteboards.

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.

Worksheet to Accompany Orbital Viewer Program

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 12/05/2013 - 09:12

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I have my students use Orbital Viewer when learning about quantum numbers and their associated rules, electronic orbitals, and other quantum concepts. I have developed a worksheet that allows students to use Orbital Viewer to explore various concepts related to electronic orbitals.