Disorder and Chaos: Developing and Teaching an Interdisciplinary Course on Chemical Dynamics

Autor:	Steven G. Desjardins
Rok vydání:	2008
Předmět:	Physics education.field_of_study Dynamical systems theory Management science Population Physics::Physics Education Experimental data General Chemistry Motion (physics) Education Chemical Dynamics Dynamics (music) Natural (music) Chemistry (relationship) education
Zdroj:	Journal of Chemical Education. 85:1078
ISSN:	1938-1328 0021-9584
DOI:	10.1021/ed085p1078
Popis:	In this paper we describe an interdisciplinary course on dynamics that is appropriate for nonscience majors. This course introduces ideas about mathematical modeling using examples based on pendulums, chemical kinetics, and population dynamics. The unique emphasis for a nonmajors course is on chemical reactions as dynamical systems that do more than simply come to equilibrium. By presenting chemical systems that can undergo either periodic or chaotic behavior we provide the basis for understanding how chemistry can underlie complex natural systems. By describing these systems in the common language of dynamics in an interdisciplinary setting, we acquaint students with the motivations and methodologies behind the more mathematical aspects of chemistry. Students learn about the nature of measurement and prediction through the use of spreadsheet software for solution of equations and experimental data collection.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:	https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_________::d8540b91a0fb747157cbc1d6bf296182 https://doi.org/10.1021/ed085p1078 Zobrazit plný text záznamu