A Calculated Bang
Explosive Predictions and the Ideal Gas Law
Author(s)
Department of Chemistry and Life Science
United States Military Academy
melissa.eslinger@westpoint.edu
Department of Chemistry and Life Science
United States Military Academy
carl.lundell@westpoint.edu
Department of Chemistry and Life Science
United States Military Academy
ryan.rodriguez@westpoint.edu
Abstract
This directed case study provides an opportunity to apply stoichiometry to combustion reactions of commonly used explosive materials. Initially, students apply modified Kistiakowsky-Wilson (K-W) rules, developed during World War II, to predict the reaction products from a given starting material. From the derived balanced equation, stoichiometric equivalents of products can be used to apply the ideal gas law (IGL) to predict measures of pressure, volume, and temperature. The IGL is a great exercise in stoichiometry and requires conversion of units in similar terms, common to the ideal gas constant. Although the case was written for the introductory chemistry classroom, it would be suitable for students in analytical chemistry courses who need additional practice in stoichiometry.
Objectives
- Predict the products and balance the reaction for the combustion of an explosive material.
- Apply the ideal gas law and stoichiometry to calculate amounts of reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
Keywords
Combustion reaction; stoichiometry; ideal gas law; chemical reactions; reaction products; analytical chemistry; explosives; Kistiakowsky-Wilson; K-W rules; PETN; dimensional analysisTopical Areas
History of scienceEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDF, PowerPointType / Methods
DirectedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Chemistry (General) | Analytical Chemistry |
Date Posted
06/01/2020Teaching Notes
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