University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (2): 21-27.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202307026

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Design and Improvement of Physicochemical Experiments Based on Problem-Oriented Learning: a Case Study of Liquid Surface Tension Measurement

Yongmin Zhang(), Shuang Guo, Mingyue Zhu, Menghui Liu, Sinong Li   

  • Received:2023-07-10 Accepted:2023-09-05 Published:2023-10-12
  • Contact: Yongmin Zhang E-mail:zhangym@jiangnan.edu.cn

Abstract:

The purpose of this project is to guide students in independently designing experiments based on problem-oriented approach, taking a commonplace phenomenon (white flocs formed during laundry) as the starting point. The measurement of surface tension is integrated into the process of exploring the underlying chemical principles of daily life phenomena, and an exploratory experimental model that follows a "problem identification-practical exploration-textbook consolidation" framework is established by combining a diverse array of techniques, thereby reinforcing the students' understanding of colloid and interface chemistry. The revised experiment offers richer content, greater challenges, enhanced comprehensiveness, and increased engagement, effectively fostering students' abilities to analyze and solve problems and nurturing their inquisitive thinking. Furthermore, this experiment ensures a high degree of safety, ease of operation, and requires no specialized equipment, making it highly suitable for undergraduate instructional labs.

Key words: Physical chemistry experiment, Colloid and interfacial chemistry, Calcium chloride, Surfactant, Surface tension