A Critical Look at Units

In this blog, Michael Jansen considers the significance of using proper units and their role in helping students develop a conceptual understanding of Chemistry. 

Not so Green Up Close: a Peek at a dyed Chicago River Sample

Light absorbance and fluorescence were studied for a sample of the Chicago River that had been dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. The sample had weak green fluorescence, showing that the intense green appearance of the river was in part due to the long path length of light through the water. The ability of the green color to partition into 1-octanol was also explored.

Chemistry Topics

acids/bases applications of chemistry aqueous solution chemistry Atomic Properties / Structure conductivity consumer chemistry Demonstrations density electrochemistry electrolysis equilibrium Food Science gases General Chemistry Intermolecular Forces kinetics Laboratory Instruction liquids metals noncovalent interactions Outreach oxidation/reduction Oxidation / Reduction Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams Physical Chemistry physical properties Polymer Chemistry Public Understanding reactions solids stoichiometry thermodynamics