Morris F. Stubbs

Bio: Morris F. Stubbs is an academic researcher from Tennessee Wesleyan College. The author has contributed to research in topics: The central science & General chemistry. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 5 publications receiving 9 citations.

Qualitative analysis in the general chemistry program

Abstract: The authors provide supporting evidence for the use of qualitative analysis in freshman chemistry.

Semiconducting and Metallic Polymers: The Fourth Generation of Polymeric Materials (Nobel Lecture).

Abstract: When asked to explain the importance of the discovery of conducting polymers, I offer two basic answers: first they did not (could not?) exist, and second, that they offer a unique combination of properties not available from any other known materials. The first expresses an intellectual challenge; the second expresses a promise for utility in a wide variety of applications.

The complementary roles of laboratory notebooks and laboratory reports

Abstract: Experiments can be documented by the complementary use of both laboratory notebooks and laboratory reports. The notebook serves as a chronological repository for experimental details, while the report presents a logical summary of the experiment. Emphasis on proper format and logical content in both notebooks and reports encourages the successful development of technical writing skills. When properly used, laboratory notebooks and laboratory reports interact to improve the quality of both. The authors outline the contents of laboratory notebooks and laboratory reports, and explain how the complementary use of these instruments at the Air Force Academy has resulted in better student writing, better design documentation, and more efficient use of laboratory and computer resources that should carry over into future engineering practice. >

Quantitative Determination of Iron in Limonite Using Spectroscopic Methods with Senior and General Chemistry Students: Geology-Inspired Chemistry Lab Explorations

Abstract: Limonite is the field term for a mixed assemblage of ferric oxyhydroxides, often containing nonferric silicate impurities. It is abundant on Earth’s surface, possesses variable iron content, and is easily recognized by distinctive yellow and ochre hues. Limonite is a unique centerpiece for undergraduate chemistry laboratories because each sample represents a true unknown to faculty and students alike, and because limonite does not digest readily with common methods. Senior students were guided through a primary literature review to assess and establish an appropriate digestion method. Students then constructed the procedure for determining the iron content in limonite using atomic absorption spectroscopy. A final report, produced in the style of this Journal, completed the start-to-finish process used by scientists, helping students learn how novel problems are solved in the laboratory. General chemistry students were provided with limonite extracts and used UV–vis spectroscopy to determine their iron con...

Analysis of Copper-Bearing Rocks and Minerals for Their Metal Content Using Visible Spectroscopy: A First Year Chemistry Laboratory Exploration

Abstract: General chemistry and introductory chemistry students were presented with a laboratory exploration for the determination of the mass percent of copper in rock and mineral samples. They worked independently in the laboratory, which involved multiple lab (pipetting, preparing standard solutions by quantitative dilution, recording visible spectra with spectrometers) and data analysis skills (graphing and multistep stoichiometry calculations) using spreadsheet software. The results from the malachite mineral samples were used to evaluate the success of the copper extraction and analysis methods. Students were tasked with evaluating the economic viability of a “mining site” using their analysis of the malachite bearing rock samples. They worked with the entire class data set to make this evaluation. Students’ lab reports and spreadsheets (submitted electronically) were evaluated using a grading rubric. Their engagement and enthusiasm for this exploration was high as they were eager to solve this real-life prob...