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Using Spreadsheets to Introduce Aqueous-Speciation Calculations

Sheila Jo Roberts
Initial Publication Date: September 26, 2007

Summary

While having students calculate the distribution of aqueous species in a simple fluid, have them write a spreadsheet program to calculate their data instead of just letting them use software that they see as a black box that spits out the results. This way, they can begin to understand the underlying principles of fluid equilibrium, learn computational techniques, and improve spreadsheet programming skills.


Learning Goals

  • Realize the importance of simplifing assumptions, signifcant figures, and computational errors.
  • Improve spreadsheet programming skills.
  • Become aware of comutational techniques used in speciation and mass-transport software.

Context for Use

This activity is appropriate for undergraduate geochemistry courses.


References and Resources

Roberts, S.J., 2000, Using a Spreadsheet to Introduce Aqueous-Speciation Calculations to Geochemistry Students, Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 48 p. 203-208