New Software Application and Case Study That Simplify Teaching Complex Chemical Solubility and Equilibria

Abstract

Chemical solubility and equilibria are paramount for understanding everyday systems. Recent events have led to more interest by the general public in chemical equilibria that occur in drinking water systems. This presents a great opportunity to increase student interest and engagement in the more complicated aspects of chemical equilibria. Shiny Apps allow exploration of complex equilibria without requiring that students (or instructors) get buried in the minutia. The application presented here, https://bazilio.shinyapps.io/LeadSolubilityCaseStudy/, can be used for instruction in chemistry or environmental science and only uses an internet browser such as Safari or Chrome; it is compatible with mobile browsers. Students are assigned a case study on the Flint, Michigan Water Crisis which guides them through lead sulfate, chloride, phosphate, and hydroxide equilibria, using the app to explore their intuitions about this complex chemical system.