Tag Archives | Thomas Kuntzleman

Williamson, J. Charles, Thomas S. Kuntzleman, and Rachael A. Kafader. “A Molecular Iodine Spectral Data Set for Rovibronic Analysis.” Journal of Chemical Education 90, no. 3 (March 2013): 383–385. doi:10.1021/ed300455n.

Abstract: This article discusses a dry lab molecular iodine experiment conducted by undergraduate chemistry students at the Spring Arbor University in Michigan. The experiment involved a search by students of an online iodine spectral absorption atlas to find multiple transitions belonging to one of a number of vibronic brands. The authors add the class data were pooled for spectroscopic analysis of both the X and B states. The method used for generating the spectral data set is also described.

Kuntzleman, Thomas Scott, Kristen Rohrer, and Emeric Schultz. “The Chemistry of Lightsticks: Demonstrations To Illustrate Chemical Processes.” Journal of Chemical Education 89, no. 7 (2012): 910–916.

Abstract: Lightsticks, or glowsticks as they are sometimes called, are perhaps the chemist’s quintessential toy. Because they are easy to activate and appealing to observe, experimenting with lightsticks provides a great way to get young people interested in science. Thus, we have used lightsticks to teach chemical concepts in a variety of outreach settings and demonstration shows. Although these devices are simple to operate, a working lightstick depends upon a rich array of physicochemical processes. For example, the chemical processes involved in lightsticks include acid–base chemistry, redox reactions, quantum chemistry, and thermodynamics. Consequently, we have used lightstick experiments and demonstrations in general, inorganic, and physical chemistry classes. In this paper, we share some experiments and demonstrations with lightsticks that we have used in these various educational settings.

Kuntzleman, Thomas S., Joshua B. Kenney, Scott Hasbrouck, Michael J. Collins, and John R. Amend. “Simple and Automated Coulometric Titration of Acid Using Nonisolated Electrodes.” Journal Of Chemical Education 88, no. 11 (November 2011): 1565-1568. doi: 10.1021/ed101072c

Abstract: The article discusses the coulometric titration of acid using nonisolated electrodes in the analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis education. It mentions the role of coulometric titrations in simplifying the titration process as they eliminate the preparation need for primary standard solutions and allow for unstable reagents generation. It also notes the use of nonisolated electrodes to simplify the experimental design on coulometric titration and the data acquisition instrumentation.

Howder, Collin R., Kyle D. Groen, and Thomas S. Kuntzleman. “JCE Classroom Activity #107. And the Oscar  to…A Chemist!Goes.” Journal Of Chemical Education 87, no. 10 (October 2010): 1060-1061. doi: 10.1021/ed900013z

Abstract: A hands-on activity and demonstration, both applicable to the 2010 National Chemistry Week theme of Behind the Scenes with Chemistry, are presented. In the activity, students compare and contrast the properties of heat conductors and heat insulators. During the demonstration, students learn that water absorbed by a superabsorbent polymer can insulate material from a burning flame. Students also learn about Gary Zeller, a chemist who won an Academy Award for scientific achievement in 1988 for his invention of Zel Jel. Zel Jel is a mixture of water and polymers that is used in the special effects industry to protect actors from being burned when they are set on fire during filming.

Kuntzleman, Thomas S., and Christopher Richards. “Another Method for Determining the Pressure inside an Intact Carbonated Beverage Can (or Bottle).” Journal Of Chemical Education 87, no. 9 (September 2010): 993. doi: 10.1021/ed100255g

Abstract: Previous letters and articles in this Journal have described methods for finding the pressure of CO2 inside carbonated beverages. One communication in particular describes a method for estimating this pressure without even opening the container. This communication describes yet another method, using a combination of Henry’s law and freezing point depression measurements, for quantitative determination of CO2 inside carbonated beverages without opening the container.

Amend, John R., Greg Stewart, Thomas S. Kuntzleman, and Michael J. Collins. “Affordable Cyclic Voltammetry.” Journal of Chemical Education 86, no. 9 (2009): 1080.

Abstract: Cyclic voltammetry is a topic that may be incorporated in the analytical (1), inorganic (2), or physical chemistry (3) curriculum. A number of articles in this Journal have described both the process of cyclic voltammetry and experiments involving cyclic voltammetry (4, 5). However, experiments in cyclic voltammetry are often excluded from the undergraduate laboratory, probably owing to the prohibitive cost of equipment required. Pine Research Instrumentation (6) has recently released a low-cost voltammetry cell along with inexpensive disposable carbon electrodes designed for student use in the undergraduate laboratory curriculum.

Kuntzleman, Thomas S., and Alice Haddy. “Fluoride inhibition of photosystem II and the effect of removal of the PsbQ subunit.” Photosynthesis Research 102, no. 1 (2009): 7. doi: 10.1007/s11120-009-9469-4

Abstract: Photosystem II (PSII), the light-absorbing complex of photosynthesis that evolves oxygen, requires chloride for activation of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC). In this study, fluoride was characterized as an inhibitor of Cl–activated oxygen evolution in higher plant PSII. It was confirmed to be primarily a competitive inhibitor in intact PSII, with Cl–competitive inhibition constant Ki = 2 mM and uncompetitive inhibition constant $$ {\text{K}}_{\text{i}}^{\prime } $$ = 79 mM. A pH dependence study showed that fluoride inhibition was more pronounced at lower pH values. In order to determine the location of the fluoride effect, PSII preparations lacking various amounts of the PsbQ subunit were prepared. The competitive F- inhibition constant and the Michaelis constant for Cl- activation increased with loss of the PsbQ subunit, while the uncompetitive F- inhibition constant was relatively insensitive to loss of PsbQ. The S2 state EPR signals from PSII lacking PsbQ responded to Ca2+ and Cl- removal and to F- treatment similar to intact PSII, with enhancement of the g = 4.1 signal and suppression of the multiline signal, but the effects were more pronounced in PSII lacking PsbQ. Together, these results support the interpretation that the PsbQ subunit has a role in retaining anions within the OEC.