New approaches in teaching chemical kinetics

Abstract

In this project report, new approaches for teaching introductory chemical kinetics in Sri Lanka is discussed. Integration of life-experiences, different types of teaching methodology and analogies are used to explain the concepts of chemical kinetics for beginners. In addition, colourful experiments to illustrate kinetic concepts are presented. In experiment-I, decolouration of methylene blue by vitamin-C is used to investigate the factors affecting the rate of a reaction. In experiment-II, catalytic effect of electrolytes on the reaction between magnesium and water is studied using phenolphthalein as the indicator. In experiment-III The Blue bottle experiment is used to explain the concepts of reaction intermediates and mechanism of a reaction. All three experiments can be carried out at relatively low cost without the use of expensive instruments. All experiments discussed, can be carried out to produce results ofa desirable degree of accuracy varying from semi-quantitative to research level. Hence these experiments may even be used at undergraduate level.