Explore the role of charge in interatomic interactions. The forces attracting neutral atoms are called Van der Waals attractions, which can be weak or strong, depending on the atoms involved. Charged atoms (also known as ions) can repel or attract via Coulomb forces, and the forces involved are much stronger. Oppositely charged atoms attract to […]
Explore the energy exchange between colliding objects and observe how energy transfer occurs under various circumstances.
Investigate the difference in attractive force between polar and non-polar molecules by “pulling” apart pairs of molecules. While all molecules are attracted to each other, some attractions are stronger than others. Non-polar molecules are attracted through a London dispersion attraction; polar molecules are attracted through both the London dispersion force and the stronger dipole-dipole attraction. […]
Explore the difference in attractive forces between polar and nonpolar molecules.
Investigate the difference in attractive force between polar and non-polar molecules by “pulling” apart pairs of molecules. While all molecules are attracted to each other, some attractions are stronger than others. Non-polar molecules are attracted through a London dispersion attraction; polar molecules are attracted through both the London dispersion force and the stronger dipole-dipole attraction. […]
Compare the change in potential energy when you separate molecules from each versus when you break molecules apart.
This activity presents the user with a simulated circuit consisting of four resistors in series with a DC voltage source. Three of the resistors are accessible to, and can be altered by, the user; the fourth resistor, as well as the voltage source, are fixed and inaccessible. The activity comprises four levels of difficulty. Each […]
This activity uses a model of the Virtual Ecosystem with three species in it: grass, rabbits, and hawks, enabling the students to explore the effect of predation on the prey population. At first students explore protective coloration as they “become” a hawk and try to catch and eat brown and white rabbits on a snowy […]
This activity introduces students to the idea that all living organisms must compete for food. Students control a rabbit in a field with edible plants, at first alone, and later joined by computer-controlled rabbits. With such competition it becomes harder and harder for the students to keep their rabbit alive. Students shift their thinking from […]