Demystifying the mole

By 2013-03-01T00:00:00

Each dish contains a mole of ionic compound: Sodium chloride, Iron (III) chloride, Copper sulphate, Potassium mangamate, Pottasium iodine, Cobalt nitrate

Source: Science Photo Library

Clarifying the terminology used in textbooks and teaching

The concept of the 'amount of substance' underpins much of chemistry, yet remains challenging to many students and teachers alike. Successful application of the concept depends on the ability to move seamlessly between macroscopic, microscopic and symbolic levels of representation, which is often problematic for students. The use of unclear and confusing terminology also presents a barrier to many students embarking on chemistry studies. In a recent study, Pekdag and Azizoglu analysed the coverage of the 'amount of substance concept' in 15 different textbooks, uncovering a number of flaws along the way. 

David Read summarises and reviews the study.

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