University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (6): 18-23.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202605042

Special Issue:

• Special Subject • Previous Articles    

From qualitative to quantitative taking dipole moment and polarizability as examples: a case of general chemistry in the Chemistry “101 Plan”

Juan Yang   

  1. College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
  • Received:2026-05-13 Accepted:2026-05-15 Published:2026-06-18
  • Contact: Juan Yang E-mail:yang_juan@pku.edu.cn

Abstract: This article is a case of the General Chemistry textbook in the Chemistry “101 Plan”, titled “From Qualitative to Quantitative: Taking Dipole Moment and Polarizability as Examples”. This teaching case uses two very important and interrelated concepts in chemistry: dipole moment, a measure of molecular polarity, and polarizability, a measure of the degree of electron cloud distortion, as examples to illustrate how chemical research has evolved from qualitative to quantitative approaches, thereby guiding students to develop quantitative thinking. The establishment of quantitative models helps to understand the underlying mechanisms of phenomena, and quantitative research methods have promoted the standardization process of research and the development of repeatable scientific norms.

Key words: Chemistry“101 Plan”, General Chemistry, Teaching cases, Dipole moment, Polarizability, Quantitative thinking