In this activity 50-socket strands of incandescent holiday lights are cut to produce 2-socket strands and 6-socket strands. One of the incandescent bulbs can be replaced with a light-emitting diode (LED). Typical LED circuits contain a resistor to limit current flow; in these circuits that function is performed by the remaining incandescent bulb(s). The diode nature of LEDs is demonstrated, as well as the energy associated with different wavelengths of light. The activity illustrates the structure and properties of matter, the interactions of energy and matter, the relationship of energy and color, and the contributions of chemistry to high-tech materials.
More Information
Citation
Lisensky, George C.; Condren, S. Michael; Widstrand, Cynthia G.; Breitzer, Jonathan; Ellis, Arthur B. J. Chem. Educ.2001 78 1664A.
Keywords
Atomic Properties / Structure; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Solid-State Chemistry; Teaching / Learning Aids
The "Chemistry Teacher Connection" (CTC) is especially for high school chemistry teachers. For only $40/year, it offers an online-only subscription to CLIC along with membership in the Division of Chemical Education, normally $65/year. CTC subscribers receive access to all articles and supplements from 1996 through the current issue.
Through special arrangement with the ACS, JCE High School CLIC is now able to provide subscribers with online access to Chemical & Engineering News articles that have been selected specifically for secondary science instructors and their students.
Occasionally, collections of JCE back issues become available for donation to individual teachers, schools, or libraries. JCE matches collections with interested recipients. Recipients pay shipping costs or pick up the collection.
For journals in other fields of chemistry visit ACS Publications.
Citation
Always in the