Prerequisites Students should have been introduced to atoms, elements, and chemical formulas. This module challenges students to think about a materials design question, how to get light out of a solid, during two to three weeks of their chemistry course. Students make use of the periodic table to propose color-specific emitting solids based on knowledge of periodic properties, bonding, electronic transitions, solid structures and the properties of light. Solids are as common in the real world as liquids and gases. A large fraction of practicing chemists work in materials areas.
Solids provide fascinating illustrations of chemical principles.
High technology materials are an important part of everyday life. The chemistry concepts covered in this module overlap with physics, materials science, geology, and engineering. The module also reinforces the electrical concepts of voltage, current, and resistance. This module is designed for use in the introductory chemistry course.