Analysis of a Superconductor: Development of a Practical Exam for the International Chemistry Olympiad

Christian Näther
Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
Sabine Nick
Leibniz Institute for Science Education at the University of Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (12), p 1951
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p1951
Publication Date (Web): December 1, 2007

Abstract

In July 2004 the 36th International Chemistry Olympiad was held in Kiel, Germany. Competition for medals included 236 students from 61 countries, accompanied by about 150 teachers and other mentors. During this Olympiad the students performed qualitative and quantitative analyses of a superconductor, based on lanthanum barium cuprate. In the quantitative determination the students assessed the lanthanum and copper content by complexometric and iodometric titration; the alkaline earth metal was identified by qualitative analysis. From these results, the formula of the superconductor could be calculated. New procedures were developed, which in contrast to classical procedures, did not require the use of toxic chemicals. We report on the development and the results of our practical task and the reasons why we chose it for the Olympiad.

Keywords (Audience):

General Public

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus
View: Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links

Tools

SciFinder Links

SciFinder subscribers: Click to sign in | Not a SciFinder subscriber? Learn more at www.cas.org

Explore by:

History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

  • Share on ACS NetworkACS Network
  • Add to FacebookFacebook
  • Tweet ThisTweet This
  • Add to CiteULikeCiteULike
  • Add to NewsvineNewsvine
  • Digg ThisDigg This
  • Add to DeliciousDelicious

Related Content