Interactive simulations and molecules
Essential Chemistry includes a variety of interactive simulations and molecules, including solved problems. You can easily navigate to these interactive elements via the following methods:
- To view a list of links to all interactive simulations and molecules in the textbook, select the
Interactives icon in the home screen. - To view a list of all interactive simulations and molecules within a given chapter, navigate to a page in that chapter and select the
Interactives icon in the page navigation bar.
Interactive simulations
The simulations in Essential Chemistry cover a range of topics, from the kinetic molecular theory to Rutherford's gold foil experiment. These simulations make it easier for students to visualize and learn abstract, particle-level concepts, as the students can manipulate variables and observe how the system responds. The Teacher's Edition contains tips on using the simulation to help students to self-discover chemistry concepts. To open a simulation, click the Interactive Simulation icon where it appears in the text, as shown below.
Tip
Project an interactive simulation at the front of the classroom and use it to engage your students by asking them "what if" questions.
To minimize distraction while reading, simulations only play when selected from the left margin in the eBook. The simulations open in their own window to ensure the eBook will stay open to the same page in the background.
Interactive molecules
Interactive molecules are also embedded at various points in the eBook. For example, page 318 of the textbook uses methanol as an example during a discussion of tetrahedral molecule shapes. When clicked, the Interactive Simulation icon on the left side of this page opens an interactive 3D methanol molecule. Students can investigate the molecule by clicking and dragging the molecule to rotate it, zooming in or out, changing the view mode, and showing the surface charge distribution.
The molecule viewer can be used to access any molecule in the library. To change the displayed molecule, click the Molecule drop-down menu within the window and select a new option from the list. All molecules and icons in this list are discussed somewhere in the text.
