Acid-base Without Algebra: Graphical Treatment of Acid-base Systems

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Title:

Acid-base Without Algebra: Graphical Treatment of Acid-base Systems

Url:

http://www.chem1.com/acad/webtut/aquatic/ABG-ind.html

Creator:

Lower, Stephen

Publisher:

Lower, Stephen

Description: Stephen Lower of Simon Fraser University presents this site on a visual approach to acid-base problems. Lower says that although he still finds it important to teach students to solve acid-base problems algebraically, more work should be done using graphics. Here are some of the reasons he gives against the algebraic method: "1) It can be an awful lot of work. Have you ever noticed that many of the acid-base systems most commonly encountered (phosphate, citrate, salts such as ammonium acetate, amino acids, EDTA) are rarely treated in standard textbooks? Treating these analytically requires setting up a series of mass- and charge-balance expressions which must be solved simultaneously. 2) Most algebraic treatments are approximations anyway. 3) Equilibrium constants are not really. 4) All you get is a number: Algebraic approaches contribute almost nothing to the larger view of how an acid-base system behaves as the pH is changed." The graphical method provides an overall picture of the acid-base system. At the site, graphically illustrated (.gif) tutorials focus on acetic acid plotting and titration, pH of HAc and NaAc solutions, oxalic acid as a driprotic system, ammonium formate as a "weak-weak" salt, Phosphate, the carbonate system, and glycine as a zwitterion. A brief list of links is also provided.

LC Classification:

Science -- Chemistry -- Physical and theoretical chemistry -- Acids and bases (General theory)
Science -- Chemistry -- Physical and theoretical chemistry -- Conditions and laws of chemical reactions
Science -- Chemistry -- Physical and theoretical chemistry -- Special topics, A-Z -- Graphic methods
Science -- Chemistry -- Physical and theoretical chemistry -- Study and teaching. Research -- Problems, exercises, examinations
Technology -- Chemical technology -- Chemical engineering -- Special processes and operations, A-Z -- Equilibrium
Technology -- Chemical technology -- Chemicals -- Organic chemicals and preparations -- Special, A-Z -- Acetic acid
Technology -- Chemical technology -- Chemicals -- Organic chemicals and preparations -- Special, A-Z -- Oxalic acid

GEM Subject:

Science
Science -- Chemistry
Science -- Instructional issues

Date Issued:

1998

Resource Type:

Collection
Audio/Visual -- Graph
Instructional Material
Audio/Visual -- Image/Image Set
Instructional Material -- Interactive Simulation

Format:

Document -- HTML

Audience:

Educator
Learner

Education Level:

High School
Higher Education -- Undergraduate (Lower Division)
Higher Education -- Undergraduate (Upper Division)
Higher Education -- Technical Education (Upper Division)
Higher Education -- Technical Education (Lower Division)
Vocational/Professional Development Education

Language:

English

Rights:

Stephen Lower - Simon Fraser University - Burnaby/Vancouver Canada

Access Rights:

Free access

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