Resource Type: Simulations

These interactive simulations help to visualize difficult chemistry concepts and phenomena. Teachers can use these as demonstrations in lecture or supplements to homework. Students can also use the tools to test and improve their own understanding.

  • Stoichiometry

      The Mole, Molarity, and Density

    • Periodic Table

      This simulation provides an interactive periodic table that also includes illustration of electron configurations in periodic trends. The schematic diagram to the right of the table plots the electron configurations…

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      • Reaction Stoichiometry and Limiting Reagents

    • Stoichiometry Applet

      One of the first numerical problems encountered in introductory chemistry is that of "limiting reagents". This applet serves as a supplement to such calculations, providing imagery that helps students see beyond…

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  • Thermochemistry

      Energy and Enthalpy

    • Engine Simulation

      This simulation allows students to interact with different components of a complex real world phenomenon.The simulation shown is of a 4-stroke internal combustion engine. The thermodynamic cycle being simulated…

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  • Equilibrium

      Equilibrium Calculations

    • Acclimatization on Mt. Everest

      To get to the top of the mountain before winter arrives, students must derive an equation that relates the necessary amount of hemoglobin to the partial pressure of oxygen at the current and next camp.

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    • Equilibrium Simulation

      This applet is similar to the stoichiometry simulation but applies to chemical reactions that do not go to completion. The calculation of the equilibrium state of such reactions is typically covered months after…

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  • Physical Chemistry

      Quantum Mechanics

    • Why Things Have Color

      This tutorial puts the particle- in-a-box model of quantum mechanics in a context of light absorption by materials. It ties together simple ideas such as the color of material being the complement of that absorbed,…

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    • Statistical Mechanical Simulator

      The Statistical Mechanics Simulator allows students to create a multi-level quantum mechanical system and explore the partition function and thermodynamic properties.

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      • Spectroscopy

    • Spectroscopic Simulator

      A simulation of the vibrational/rotational spectrum of a diatomic molecule (for physical chemistry courses).

      This simulation of an infra-red spectrometer allows students to adjust the experimental and…

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