Teaching Physical Chemistry Experiments with a Computer Simulation by LabVIEW

摘要

A computerized laboratory experiment is an efficient tool to aid understanding of topics developed in the classroom and in the laboratory(1,2).Clearly,the real experiment is the only one that allows both teachers and students to reach desired goals.However,a virtual experiment could be useful both for better understanding of the theoretical laws that govern the phenomenon and for better attention to the techniques used to perform the measurements.With a virtual simulation,the student can repeat the experiment as many times as he or she wants and it is also possible to simulate an incorrect use of the instrument,introducing different kinds of systematic mistakes(i.e.,vacuum loss,dissolved air in the liquid,etc.).Moreover,it is possible to organize virtual experiments that cannot usually be done in the laboratory(i.e.,with harmful or dangerous chemicals)and the simulation of experiments that would require too many hours or expensive instruments.Finally,disabled students can be integrated into a virtual laboratory.