Maximising the consistency of the presentation of the molecular level with its quantum mechanical description: challenges and opportunities
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Liliana Mammino
Abstract
Reasoning in terms of molecules has since long become fully embedded in any chemistry discourse. On the other hand, students’ familiarization with the molecular level in pre-university instruction is not always satisfactory, and their ability to view chemical phenomena in terms of what molecules do may not reach the extent and quality that would be needed to ensure effective conceptual understanding. Students may remain uncertain about the interpretation of the molecular features of a number of phenomena even through undergraduate instruction. Removing uncertainties and promoting comfortable familiarization is increasingly becoming an imperative for chemistry education, in view of the novel central role that the molecular level is acquiring not only for the customary interpretation of phenomena, but for the high variety of applications that have been blooming in recent years. Consequently, learners’ familiarization with the world of molecules needs to become more informative and complete. It is equally important that the information that they acquire about molecules be consistent with the modern descriptions, which are based on quantum mechanics. This requires accurate search for optimal balances between the need to simplify the terms of the descriptions in order to make them accessible to leaners according to the different levels of chemistry learning, and the simultaneous need to maintain adequate conceptual rigour. The present work outlines approaches which have proved viable and effective, and which rely on accurate use of language and visualization as the major explanation resources.
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- Ozone-initiated degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene over ceria-supported manganese, nickel, vanadium and iron catalysts
- The effect of chemical modification using citraconic anhydride on the stability of α-amylase from Aspergillus fumigatus
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- Maximising the consistency of the presentation of the molecular level with its quantum mechanical description: challenges and opportunities
- The amide group and its preparation methods by acid-amine coupling reactions: an overview
- Surface tension measurement of FAP-based ionic liquid pendant drops in a high vacuum/gas cell
- Investigating the bioactive compounds from Capsicum annum as a probable alternative therapy for prostate cancer treatment: a structure-based drug design approach
- Crucial role of the internalisation of the distinction between dependent and independent variables for clearer chemistry understanding
- 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylic acid halts redox imbalance and modulate purinergic enzyme activity in iron-induced testicular injury
- Computational study on reactivity, aromaticity, and absorption spectra of chrysene: effect of BN doping and substituents
- Health benefit of lipid composition of orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit pulp at different maturation stages
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- In this issue
- Special topic papers
- Ozone-initiated degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene over ceria-supported manganese, nickel, vanadium and iron catalysts
- The effect of chemical modification using citraconic anhydride on the stability of α-amylase from Aspergillus fumigatus
- Decarbonizing our environment via the promotion of biomass methanation in developing nations: a waste management tool
- Maximising the consistency of the presentation of the molecular level with its quantum mechanical description: challenges and opportunities
- The amide group and its preparation methods by acid-amine coupling reactions: an overview
- Surface tension measurement of FAP-based ionic liquid pendant drops in a high vacuum/gas cell
- Investigating the bioactive compounds from Capsicum annum as a probable alternative therapy for prostate cancer treatment: a structure-based drug design approach
- Crucial role of the internalisation of the distinction between dependent and independent variables for clearer chemistry understanding
- 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylic acid halts redox imbalance and modulate purinergic enzyme activity in iron-induced testicular injury
- Computational study on reactivity, aromaticity, and absorption spectra of chrysene: effect of BN doping and substituents
- Health benefit of lipid composition of orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit pulp at different maturation stages
