PHILIP R. WATSON, PROFESSOR B.A. Oxford University, 1974 Ph.D. University of British Columbia, 1979 Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97330-4003, USA Phone : (541)-737-6740   Fax : (541)-737-2062 E-mail : watsonp@chem.orst.edu

P-Chem CD

About P-Chem

System requirements

Structure of P-Chem modules

Table of contents of P-Chem

How to get P-Chem

Download a demo version of P-Chem

About P-Chem

This highly visual, interactive program is designed to help students better understand the role of molecular characteristics and environmental variables on physical properties. All of the major topic areas of physical chemistry - thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, kinetics and reaction dynamics, polymers, solid state and surfaces - are covered in 40 individual modules.

Students can interactively investigate the effects of varying system parameters, such as temperature and pressure, over a wide range. Generally, they can select from a range of predefined molecules of various types, or enter the data for a molecule of your choice. The results of changes in molecular properties or system parameters are immediately reflected in colorful plots, animated simulations and movies. In this way they can formulate trends and make predictions (useful for home work assignments). Accompanying each module is explanatory material that briefly reviews the underlying theory, using hyperlinked definitions and biographies. 

Included in this text is a question and answer session so students can test their understanding of the material.

System requirements

• PC running Windows 3.1 or higher
• 6 MB disk space
• 256 color video card
• mouse

Thermodynamics

 Real gases - Van der Waals equation of state

 - phase diagrams

Distribution of speeds

Structure of P-Chem modules

Background - a a quick-reference summary of the underlying theory with hypertext links to definitions, to explanations of related concepts, and to biographical/historical information

Explorations - suggestions of useful parameter variations to try in the Work Window

Questions and Answers - mainly conceptual tests of student understanding of basic principles

In the Work window students can :

• choose molecules/systems of interest from lists (or enter their own data)

• set the values of environmental variables like temperature and pressure

• use the mouse to indicate important locations in a graphic - for instance, a spectrum or phase diagram
  
• choose the type of plot (e.g. 2D vs. 3D) or the method of data treatment (e.g. the reaction order to fit to rate data)

In most modules students can choose from list of predefined molecules, solids etc. If they want to investigate a different system, in general they can enter the relevant data directly into the appropriate boxes. In some cases, such as the modules dealing with adsorption isotherms or rate equations, they choose, or provide, a data file of real experimental data. The values of environmental and molecular variables are displayed in boxes. When a student changes an environmental parameter, the molecular parameter is updated e.g. altering the temperature will cause the mean speed of a molecule to update.

How to get P-Chem

P-Chem is sold by John Wiley and Sons, College Division.

Download a demo version of P-Chem

If you would like to download a demo version of P-Chem - Click here

http://www.chem.orst.edu/PersonalHomePages/watson/pchem/pchem.htm

Last Updated by Philip R. Watson on Monday, September 09, 2002