During the period of time when quantum chemistry is covered in introductory classes, there are few experiments that can be performed in lab to reinforce the material. In the past, this issue has caused a disconnect between material presented in lab and lecture classes. A discovery-based, laboratory experiment has been developed that relates electron configurations of ions in ionic compounds with their paramagnetic or diamagnetic behavior. Students measure the effect that a compound has on the apparent mass of a magnet that rests on an analytical balance. They are then asked to determine which electron configurations are consistent with the magnetic behavior. The results of the experiment are that it provides practice in writing many electron configurations and reinforces the fact that the charges of ions that students memorize early in a course are verified in the laboratory setting.

Reinforcing electron configurations in a laboratory experiment for first-year students: A POGIL approach

247th National Meeting (2014)

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