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Playing-Card Equilibrium

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Robert M. Hanson

Department of Chemistry, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN 55057-1098

J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (11), p 1271

DOI: 10.1021/ed080p1271

Publication Date (Web): November 1, 2003

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A simple hands-on simulation suitable for either classroom use or laboratory investigation involves using a standard deck of playing cards to explore the statistical aspects of equilibrium. Concepts that can be easily demonstrated include fluctuation around a most probable distribution, Le Châtelier's principle, the equilibrium constant, prediction of the equilibrium constant based on probability, and the effect of sample size on equilibrium fluctuations.

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Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Equilibrium

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).

An Updated Equilibrium Machine
Emeric Schultz
Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (8), 1131
- An Updated Equilibrium Machine
  Emeric Schultz
  Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (8), 1131
  A device that can demonstrate equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic concepts is described. The device consists of a leaf blower attached to a plastic container divided into two chambers by a barrier of variable size and form. Styrofoam balls can be ...
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Give Them Money: The Boltzmann Game, a Classroom or Laboratory Activity Modeling Entropy Changes and the Distribution of Energy in Chemical Systems
Bridget Michalek , Robert M. Hanson
Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (4), 581
- Give Them Money: The Boltzmann Game, a Classroom or Laboratory Activity Modeling Entropy Changes and the Distribution of Energy in Chemical Systems
  Bridget Michalek , Robert M. Hanson
  Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (4), 581
  Described here is a short, simple activity we call the "Boltzmann game" that can be used in any high school or college chemistry classroom or lab to explore the way energy is distributed in real chemical systems and as an entry into discussions of the ...
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Playing Card Equilibrium
Frank L. Lambert
Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (11), 1569
- Playing Card Equilibrium
  Frank L. Lambert
  Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (11), 1569
  Only if they are being shuffled can playing cards serve as some sort of analogy to molecular behavior in chemistry.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links