Dynamic Models in Chemistry PDF
Preview Dynamic Models in Chemistry
Dynamic Models In A Workbook of Computer Simulations Using Electronic Spreadsheets AUXLSUNAHOD Daniel E. Atkinson University of California, Los Angeles Douglas C. Brower Catawba College onald W. McClard Reed College David S. Barkley, Editor Reed College Library DYNAMIC MODELS IN CHEMISTRY AWORKBOOK OF COMPUTER SIMULATIONS USING ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS Diskettes containing the models described in this book are available for both MS DOS and Macintosh computers. Contact the publisher for information. DYNAMIC MODELS IN CHEMISTRY A Workbook of Computer Simulations Using Electronic Spreadsheets wir 5 t PO ye Daniel E. Atkinson University of California, Los Angeles Douglas C. Brower Catawba College Ronald W. McClard Reed College David S. Barkley, Editor "ql N. Simonson & Company Marina del Rey, California QD 39.3 .E46 AB? 19970 c.3 Atkinson, Daniel E. ‘ Dynamic models in chemisthy® peay > VWwitnola preaa wnre Sponsoring Editor: David S. Barkley Copyeditor: Betty Duncan-Todd Cover Designer: Tarabochia & Hunt REEN COM ECE tremge¥\w ebuh! Lduir aCwA n PORTLAND. OREGON @7802 Copyright © 1990 by N. Simonson & Company All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Atkinson, Daniel E. Dynamic models in chemistry: a workbook of computer simulations using electronic spreadsheets / Daniel E. Atkinson, Douglas C. Brower, Ronald W. McClard; David S. Barkley, editor. 2 je eeceik ISBN 0-9622556-2-9 1. Chemistry—Data processing. 2. Electronic spreadsheets. I. Brower, Douglas C., 1958- . II. McClard, Ronald W., 1951 - Ill. Title QD39.3.E46A87 1990 540'.1'13--dc20 90-37688 CIP N. Simonson & Company 13450 Maxella Avenue Suite G225 Marina del Rey, California 90292-5631 (213) 301-2847 We dedicate this book to our parents, teachers, and colleagues N. Simonson & Company Titles of Related Interest D. E. Atkinson, S. G. Clarke, and D. C. Rees Dynamic Models in Biochemistry (1987) F. Potter and C. W. Peck Dynamic Models in Physics, Volume I: Mechanics (1989) PREFACE Students of the sciences must integrate large amounts of information into simple, coherent frameworks of insight. Students must then use this insight to solve new problems in which the driving principles have been obscured by Nature or by a devious instructor. Such insight is acquired by actively and repetitively engaging the mind in numerous problem- solving explorations — explorations in the laboratory, in assigned problem sets, in independently constructed thought experiments. Stu- dents must dissect many different kinds of problems and explore many alternative solutions until the barriers to insight are overcome and the student says “Aha!” The pocket calculator revolutionized science instruction by permitting the design of problem sets that were not contrived to fit within the limi- tations of pencil, paper, and slide rule. The personal computer is again revolutionizing science instruction by permitting the design of problem sets that enable students to build and interrogate actual simulations of physical events and to explore these simulations with a full complement of graphical tools. We believe that the emphasis should be as much on the building of the model as on its interrogation, but traditional software tools are not vii viii designed for rapid, one-time prototyping of individual problems. We have therefore chosen to design this book around a powerful, ubiqui- tous, nonprocedural programming language that permits rapid and intuitive construction of sophisticated simulations — the electronic spreadsheet. Other software tools may eventually make their way to the marketplace in forms useful to undergraduate students, but the intuitive man—machine interface that constitutes the electronic spreadsheet will have a place in personal computing for decades to come. Electronic spreadsheet programs can serve as construction kits with which to build and explore alternative representations of ideas. Students who build spreadsheet models that correspond to their understanding of physical events can correct errors in their understanding as they refine their models to make them work correctly. They can ask questions of their simulations that may not have been anticipated by their textbook authors and instructors and can verify their understanding of a textbook table or graph by reproducing it from basic principles. As we designed and wrote this book, we found that many unexpected questions arose — questions that could be immediately answered by interrogating the model itself. We believe that this ability to enter into extended dialogs with computer simulations will be as valuable to students as it has been for us. We hope and expect that an early introduction to model building and interrogation will provide students with a tool than can be used through- Out a career — a simple device with which to revise and clarify ideas. Scope of the Book 3 This book has been designed for students taking an introductory course in chemistry. Much of the material drills students on elementary topics. However, personal computers and computer simulations naturally promote independent study and exploration. Rather than cut off an exciting exploration, we have chosen to offer deeply interested students the opportunity to explore some issues in depth. Such pathways are often found in the Problems section of each exercise. Talented students may find insight and entertainment in these pathways and in the treatment of even elementary topics.
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