Physical chemistry education - The 2014 themed issue of chemistry education research and practice

Abstract

The July 2014 issue of the Chemistry Education Research and Practice is dedicated to physical chemistry education. Major sub-themes are: the role of controversies in PC education, quantum chemistry, chemical thermodynamics (including a review of research on the teaching and learning of thermodynamics) and PC textbooks. Topics covered include: the significance of the origin of PC in connection with the case of electrolyte solution chemistry; the true nature of the hydrogen bond; using the history of science and science education for teaching introductory quantum physics and quantum chemistry; a module for teaching elementary quantum chemistry; undergraduate students’ conceptions of enthalpy, enthalpy change and related concepts; particulate level models of adiabatic and isothermal processes; prospective teachers’ mental models of vapor pressure; an instrument that can be used to identify students’ alternative conceptions regarding thermochemistry concepts; and the organization/sequencing of the major areas of PC in many PC textbooks.