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Why and How To Teach Acid-Base Reactions without Equilibrium

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Terry S. Carlton

Department of Chemistry, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074

J. Chem. Educ., 1997, 74 (8), p 939

DOI: 10.1021/ed074p939

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 1997

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A stepwise method enables students to predict which acid-base reactions occur when two solutions are mixed. The complexities of equilibrium are avoided by treating reactions as all-or-none and by providing a table of acids in order of strength. Key steps, in order, are: list major species; classify them as acids and bases; identify the strongest acid and base; decide whether these two can react. If they do react, repeat these steps with the species that remain after reaction. Qualitative and quantitative examples are provided, as are simple rules for recognizing acids and bases from formulas. Advantages of the method and ways of adapting it to other types of reactions are described.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Problem Solving / Decision Making

Keywords (Subject):

Learning Theories

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

Constructing a Graphic Organizer in the Classroom: Introductory Students' Perception of Achievement Using a Decision Map To Solve Aqueous Acid–Base Equilibria Problems
Stephen DeMeo
Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (3), 540
- Constructing a Graphic Organizer in the Classroom: Introductory Students' Perception of Achievement Using a Decision Map To Solve Aqueous Acid–Base Equilibria Problems
  Stephen DeMeo
  Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (3), 540
  Common examples of graphic organizers include flow diagrams, concept maps, and decision trees. The author has created a novel type of graphic organizer called a decision map. A decision map is a directional heuristic that helps learners solve problems ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Unified Approximations: A New Approach for Monoprotic Weak Acid-Base Equilibria
Harry L. Pardue , Ihab N. Odeh and Teweldemedhin M. Tesfai
Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (9), 1367
- Unified Approximations: A New Approach for Monoprotic Weak Acid-Base Equilibria
  Harry L. Pardue , Ihab N. Odeh and Teweldemedhin M. Tesfai
  Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (9), 1367
  This article describes a new approach to approximate calculations for monoprotic acid–base equilibria in otherwise pure water. The new approach, identified herein as unified approximations, uses a simple decision criterion to select between situations ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links