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Some Observations of Ben Franklin Related to the Stilling of Waves by Oil

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Marcos Gugliotti

Lótus Química Ambiental Ltda, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (6), p 941

DOI: 10.1021/ed084p941

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2007

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

While studying the calming effect of oil on water, Benjamin Franklin made other interesting observations and arrived at conclusions related to chemical concepts and phenomena unusual for scientists of that time. A careful analysis of Franklin's article on wave damping can lead to discussions on different topics in chemistry, and may be an interesting manner to present chemical concepts in introductory chemistry courses.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

History / Philosophy

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Analogies / Transfer

Keywords (Subject):

Surface Science

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

Historical Scientific Literature and the Spreading of Oil on Water
Todd P. Silverstein
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (7), 807
- Historical Scientific Literature and the Spreading of Oil on Water
  Todd P. Silverstein
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (7), 807
  Using historical scientific literature in the classroom has certain advantages. However, a modern reader of such material can be led astray by, among other things, obsolete terminology.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Response to Historical Scientific Literature and the Spreading of Oil on Water
Marcos Gugliotti
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (7), 808
- Response to Historical Scientific Literature and the Spreading of Oil on Water
  Marcos Gugliotti
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (7), 808
  A clarification of points raised in an earlier article and responses to a critical letter.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Stilling Waves with Ordered Molecular Monolayers
Ed Vitz , James H. Maynard
Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (8), 1064
- Stilling Waves with Ordered Molecular Monolayers
  Ed Vitz , James H. Maynard
  Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (8), 1064
  A demonstration of the damping effect of an oil monolayer on water waves is described. The history of this remarkable demonstration—with a 2000 (or more) year span—and a brief explanation in terms of the properties of water and the monolayer are ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links