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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 17
(2012) pp 137-146
DOI 10.1007/s00897122435
Modeling Chemical Kinetics Graphically
André Heck
Korteweg-de Vries Institute, University
of Amsterdam, PO Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, A.J.P.Heck@uva.nl
Received April 28, 2010. Accepted May 16, 2012.
Published: 3 August 2012
Abstract. In literature on chemistry education it has often been suggested that students, at high school level and beyond, can benefit in their studies of chemical kinetics from computer supported activities. Use of system dynamics modeling software is one of the suggested quantitative approaches that could help students develop knowledge about chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium and remediate alternative conceptions. The methodology, strengths, and weaknesses of the implementation of graphical system dynamics software for modeling chemical kinetics are presented. An extension of classical graphical modeling is proposed that could make it easier for students to investigate chemical kinetics, especially in cases of non-trivial reaction mechanisms. Illustrative examples are given throughout the paper.
Key Words: In the Classroom; physical chemistry; chemical kinetics; graphical system dynamics modeling; computer based learning
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: A.J.P.Heck@uva.nl)
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