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Using Mathcad To Teach Instrumental Techniques

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Scott E. Van Bramer

Widener University, Science Division, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013

J. Chem. Educ., 1998, 75 (3), p 375

DOI: 10.1021/ed075p375

Publication Date (Web): March 1, 1998

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Students often have a difficult time relating the mathematical expressions used to describe instrument response to the operation of the instrument in the laboratory. This paper describes a series of Mathcad simulations designed to demonstrate important concepts for instrumentation. These documents allow students to change data acquisition parameters and observe the effect on instrument response. This provides an opportunity for students to experiment with variables without using valuable instrument time. As a result, they are more productive and have a greater understanding of how data acquisition parameters interact. The documents discussed here are used for teaching electronics, signal enhancement, Fourier transforms, FT-IR and NMR.