Virtual ChemLab

Acid-Base and Potentiometric Titrations

  



Brigham Young University

Table of Contents
Overview ..................................................................................................................1
The Titration Laboratory.......................................................................................3
Quick Start ..........................................................................................................3
The Simulation.....................................................................................................5
Overview ........................................................................................................5
Simulation Principles and Features ...................................................................6
Laboratory...........................................................................................................8
Overview ........................................................................................................8
Transferring Solutions ................................................................................... 11
Analytical Balance ......................................................................................... 12
Overview ................................................................................................. 12
Weighing Solids ....................................................................................... 13
Pipets........................................................................................................... 14
Buret and Graphing....................................................................................... 14
Meters.......................................................................................................... 15
Indicators ..................................................................................................... 15
Pull-Down TV................................................................................................ 16
Saving Data.................................................................................................. 16
Stockroom ......................................................................................................... 16
Overview ...................................................................................................... 16
Selecting Reagents........................................................................................ 18
Preset Experiments ....................................................................................... 18
Assignments ................................................................................................. 18
Creating Practice Unknowns .......................................................................... 19
Lab Book ........................................................................................................... 21
The Electronic Lab Book ..................................................................................... 22
Overview ........................................................................................................... 22
Typing/Editing Notes and Inserting Links............................................................. 23
Navigation ......................................................................................................... 23
Functions........................................................................................................... 24
Reporting .......................................................................................................... 25
Web Options......................................................................................................27

Overview
Welcome to Virtual ChemLab: Titrations, a realistic and sophisticated simulation of quantitative
acid-base and potentiometric titration experiments. In this virtual laboratory, students are free to
choose equipment, select reagents, perform titrations, and make the choices and decisions that
they would confront in an actual quantitative experiment and, in turn, experience the resulting
consequences. As in all Virtual ChemLab laboratories, the main focus of the titration laboratory
is to allow students the ability to explore and discover, in a safe and level-appropriate setting, the
concepts and ideas that are important in the study of acid-base and electrochemistry and the
procedures and techniques that form the foundation of titrimetric methods.
The virtual titration laboratory allows students to perform precise, quantitative titrations
involving acid-base and electrochemical reactions. The available laboratory equipment consists
of a 50 mL buret, 5, 10, and 25 mL pipets, graduated cylinders, beakers, a stir plate, a set of 8
acid-base indicators, a pH meter/voltmeter, a conductivity meter, and an analytical balance for
weighing out solids. Acid-base titrations can be performed on any combination of mono-, di-,
and tri-protic acids and mono-, di-, and tri-basic bases. The pH of these titrations can be
monitored using a pH meter, an indicator, and a conductivity meter as a function of volume, and
this data can be saved to an electronic lab book for later analysis. A smaller set of potentiometric
titrations can also be performed. Systematic and random errors in the mass and volume
measurements have been included in the simulation by introducing buoyancy errors in the mass
weighings, volumetric errors in the glassware, and characteristic systematic and random errors in
the pH/voltmeter and conductivity meter output. These errors can be ignored, which will produce
results and errors typically found in high school or freshman-level laboratory work, or the
buoyancy and volumetric errors can be measured and included in the calculations to produce
results better than 0.1% in accuracy and reproducibility.
The Virtual ChemLab simulations are available in a network version, a single user or student
version, or a CD-Only version. In the network version (a typical computer lab installation)
electronic assignments and notebook submissions are handled directly through the local area
network or via the web through the web connectivity option. In the single user or student version,
there is assumed to be no internet connection to receive assignments or submit results;
consequently, the simulations are limited to using paper assignments contained in the Virtual
ChemLab workbooks or using assignments written by your instructor. However, a student
version can be enabled to use the web connectivity option, which enables the exchange of
electronic assignments and notebook results using a regular internet connection. In the CD-Only
version, Virtual ChemLab can be run directly off the CD without having to be installed on a hard
drive. The CD-Only version comes packaged only with textbooks and cannot be enabled to use
electronic assignments. The CD-Only version is designed explicitly to use workbooks that are
included with the text. For increased speed the contents of the Virtual ChemLab CD can be
copied to and run from the hard drive.
Please note that this users guide provides information principally for the network or web-enabled
version of Virtual ChemLab. While reading through the users guide, keep in mind that a student
version and CD-Only version of the software are almost identical to a network version except for
two main differences. (1) In both student and CD-Only versions, the hallway contains an
electronic workbook from which students select experiments that correspond to assignments in
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their accompanying real workbooks. Details on using the electronic workbook are given in the
Getting Started section of the real workbook. (2) In the initial installed configuration for a
student version, no electronic assignments can be given or received, although preset and practice
unknowns will be available. Note, however, that a student version can be converted to a webenabled version by turning on the web connectivity option and creating a local user account.
Details on the web connectivity option can be found in the electronic lab book section of this
manual.

The Titrations Laboratory

Figure 1. The hallway leading into the different virtual rooms in Virtual ChemLab. The
Organic Chemistry door accesses the virtual organic laboratory, the Stockroom door
accesses the Instructor Utilities, and the General Chemistry door accesses five
different general chemistry laboratories.

Quick Start
From the hallway (Figure 1), click on the General Chemistry door and enter your password. If
you do not know your password, contact your instructor. If you are receiving assignments
through a regular internet connection either at home or in a computer lab (instead of a direct
client/server connection), you will need to first create a local user account for the current
computer you are using by clicking on the Add New User button. To add a new user, you will
need to provide your user ID, password, and the URL address for your web connection. These
will be provided by your instructor. This only needs to be done once for each computer you use.

If you do not need to receive electronic assignments, click on the Guest button on the card reader
to gain access to the laboratory.
If your version contains an electronic workbook on a table in the hallway, you can enter the
general chemistry laboratory by clicking on the General Chemistry door or by clicking on the
electronic workbook and selecting an experiment. If you must activate yourself as a user to
receive electronic assignments from your instructor, click on the General Chemistry door and
once inside the laboratory click on any lab book and select the Web Options button. Details on
how to use the web connectivity feature are found in the Electronic Lab Book section below.
Once in the laboratory (shown in Figure 2), you will find five different laboratory benches that
represent five different general chemistry laboratories. Mousing over each of these laboratory
benches pops up the name of the selected laboratory. To access the titrations laboratory, click the
middle table directly in front. On the far right-hand side of the room there is a chalkboard used to
display messages from the instructor or display a summary of assignments. If one or more
messages are available from the instructor, the text Messages will be displayed repeatedly on
the chalkboard. Clicking on the chalkboard will bring up a larger image of the chalkboard where
messages and assignments can be viewed. Messages can be deleted by clicking on the eraser.

Figure 2. The general chemistry laboratory. The general chemistry laboratory contains five
different laboratories, each of which is accessed by clicking on the appropriate lab
bench. The chalkboard to the right in the laboratory is used to access messages from
the instructor and to see a summary of assignments.
Once inside the titrations laboratory, go to the stockroom counter by clicking on the stockroom
window. Located inside the stockroom are reagent bottles containing acids, bases, inert salts,
oxidants, and reductants as well as a clipboard containing a set of predefined titrations. A
titration experiment is started by selecting and dragging to the stockroom counter any two bottles
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from the acid and base shelves or an oxidant and a reductant from the potentiometric shelf.
Assigned unknowns are selected by dragging bottles from the left side of the Unknowns shelf,
and practice unknowns can be defined by clicking on the Unknowns sign. Clicking on the
green Return to Lab arrow will return you to the laboratory where the selected bottles can be
dragged to the laboratory bench.
Once in the laboratory, a titration experiment is setup by adding a titrant to the buret and the
analyte to a beaker and placing the beaker on the stir plate. For acid-base titrations, pH and
conductivity probes can be placed in the analyte beaker to monitor the reaction as well as an
indicator. For potentiometric titrations, a pair of Platinum (Pt)/Standard Calomel (SCE)
electrodes can be used to monitor the titration. Solids can be weighted out accurately using an
analytical balance and solution volumes can be quantitatively measured using either graduated
cylinders or volumetric pipets. Clicking on the buret, pH/voltmeter, and the conductivity meters
on the lab bench will open external windows which will allows these values to be measured and
saved to the electronic lab book. This data can also be graphed as the titration proceeds using the
graphing function located in the buret window.
Other important items in the laboratory include the pull-down TV in the upper right-hand corner
where Help and assignment instructions are accessed. The electronic lab book is accessed by
clicking on the lab book lying on the table. The lab book is used to record procedures,
observations, and conclusions. Volume, pH, conductivity, and voltage data from the titrations
can be saved to the lab book by clicking on the Save button located in the buret, pH/voltmeter, or
conductivity windows. This data is saved in the form of links that can be opened and then copied
and pasted into a spreadsheet program for further calculations and graphing. The general
chemistry laboratory is accessed by clicking on the exit sign.

The Simulation
Overview
The primary purpose of the titration simulation is to provide students a realistic environment
where they can explore and better understand acid-base chemistry and electrochemistry using
fundamental titrimetric methods. In Virtual ChemLab: Titrations, experiments are performed in a
framework consistent with the other Virtual ChemLab simulations; that is, the student is put into
a virtual environment where they are free to choose their reagents and equipment, build a
conceptual experiment of their own design, and then experience the resulting consequences. The
focus in the titration simulation is to allow students to perform these titrations on knowns and
unknowns, monitor the titrations using a variety of methods, and interpret their results in terms
of the acid-base chemistry and electrochemistry learned in the classroom.
Before the advent and widespread availability of instrumental techniques, quantitative
determinations of unknown concentrations of acids, bases, and metals relied extensively on
titrimetric methods. While modern instrumental methods have supplanted many titrations for
specific analytes, a titration is still the method of choice for many quantitative determinations,
particularly for acids and bases. Therefore, it is still important that students understand and
experience the concepts and parameters that govern a titration experiment. These parameters
would include (a) selecting the correct reagent for the analyte, (b) accurately delivering known
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volumes of titrant and analyte, (c) accurate mass weighings, and (d) determining the equivalence
point for the titration.
The titration simulation allows a range of classroom and laboratory applications depending on
the level of the class and the subject being taught. For example, students can perform simple,
qualitative titrations and observe the results graphically as the titration proceeds, they can
perform simple quantitative experiments on knowns and unknowns without applying corrections
or calibrations, or they can perform experiments involving detailed glassware calibrations and
buoyancy corrections in order to achieve accuracies less than 0.1%. All of these titrations are
performed within the context of gaining a fundamental understanding of acid-base chemistry and
electrochemistry.

Simulation Principles and Features

The important principles and features forming the foundation of the titration simulation are listed
below.
(1) The pH of the solutions created in the simulation is calculated by solving the appropriate
mass balance, charge balance, and equilibrium equations for the hydrogen ion concentration.
These calculations also include the activity coefficients in the equilibrium expressions as
calculated using the extended Debye-Huckle law. The activity coefficients can be turned on
and off in order to study the effect of inert ions on the pH of the solution.
(2) The electrical potential of the electrochemical solutions titrated in the simulation are
calculated using the Nernst equation and also include activity coefficients. These potentials
are calculated assuming the electrodes are Pt and a Standard Calomel Electrode (SCE). Since
the half-cell reactions used in the Nernst equation depend on the pH of the solution in
addition to the concentrations of the oxidant and reductant, the pH of the solution is defined
as part of the oxidant solutions available in the stockroom.
(3) The conductivity of the solutions is calculated using equations and data found in the physical
chemistry text books by Mortimer (2nd edition), Raff (1st edition), and Atkins and de Paula
(7th edition). The units for conductivity are Siemens/cm.
(4) When solids are diluted with water and when solutions are mixed, the resulting solution
volumes are calculated using the first-order, partial molar volumes for each ionic and
nonionic species in the solution. Using these first-order, partial molar volumes will generally
produce total volumes that are accurate to within 0.1% to 0.3% of the actual volume. Suitable
estimates of partial molar volumes were made for species not found in the literature.
(5) The acid-base indicators used in this simulation and the pH dependence of the color changes
are shown on a chart hanging on the wall in the laboratory. In the simulation, indicators
change color at specific pH values as shown on the indicator chart. There are no partial color
changes near the equivalence point. It is also assumed in the simulation that indicators add no
volume to the solution.

(6) When beakers are placed on the stir plate, a stirring bar is placed in the beaker to enable
stirring of the solution during the titration. However, the stirrer motor is not automatically
turned on. If stirring is not on during the titration, then the pH/voltage, conductivity, and
indicator color changes will occur with a significant time delay to mimic the slow mixing of
titrant and analyte solutions without stirring. When stirring is on, there will still be a delayed
response but only on the order of a second.
(7) Actual volumetric burets and pipets do not deliver volumes that correspond exactly to the
scale etched on the barrel. These volumetric errors are simulated in the laboratory by
assigning appropriate error functions to each piece of precision glassware available in the
laboratory. These glassware errors are unique to each student but remain constant over time.
Consequently, for precise work, the glassware errors can be calibrated by delivering
indicated volumes of water and weighing the water on the analytical balance. Note that the
error function for the burets is not a constant; consequently, several calibrations at different
volumes will need to be performed.
(8) Items that are weighed on a balance in air are buoyed up by the air causing the observed
mass, as displayed by the balance, to be different than the true mass. This buoyancy
correction is small but does make a statistically significant contribution when accuracies
approaching 0.1% are needed. The mass readings displayed on the analytical balance in the
simulation are observed masses and have been reverse corrected from the true mass. The
details involved in making buoyancy corrections can be lengthy, but the equation that is
commonly used to make the corrections is as follows:


 
1
air 
  weights 
mtrue = mobs

 
1
air 
  sample 
where mtrue is the true mass, mobs is the observed mass,
air is the density of air,
weights is the
density of the weights (typically 8.0 g
cm-3) and
sample is the density of the sample. The
density of air can be calculated using a variety of methods, but each requires knowledge of
the temperature and barometric pressure. The temperature and current barometric pressure
for the day is given on the LED display located on the wall. Note that the barometric pressure
will change from day to day in the virtual laboratory but will remain constant for the entire
day.
(9) The accuracy and point-to-point noise are two sources of error that are intrinsic to each piece
of glassware, the analytical balance, and to the pH/voltage and conductivity meters.
Appropriately sized errors of each kind are applied in the simulation to each piece of
equipment in order to provide an opportunity for realistic error analysis. In addition, the
virtual auto-reading function of the volumetric buret can be turned off to force a visual
determination of the volume delivered by the buret.

Figure 3. The virtual titration laboratory. Each of the different parts of the main laboratory are
labeled. See below for more details.

Laboratory
Overview
The essential features of the laboratory (shown in Figure 3) are described as follows starting
from the upper left hand corner of the lab and proceeding clockwise.

Stockroom. Clicking on the stockroom window brings the user to the stockroom counter.
While at the stockroom counter, acid-base or potentiometric reagents can be selected from
the stockroom shelves and placed on the counter. Note that for acid-base titrations, any
combination of acids and bases (including acid-acid and base-base combinations) can be
selected for a titration experiment, and an inert salt can also be selected to study the effect of
inert ions on the pH of the solution. Assigned unknowns can be selected from the unknown

shelf, and practice unknowns can be prepared by clicking on the Unknowns label. The
clipboard hanging in the stockroom can also be clicked to select preset experiments or accept
an assignment.

Pull-Down TV. In the upper right-hand corner of the laboratory is a small handle that, when
clicked, pulls down a TV that can display information in three different modes. In assignment
mode, the TV displays the assignment instructions that may be included with the assigned
unknowns currently out in the laboratory. This is intended to allow easy reference to the
assignment instructions while performing the work in the virtual laboratory. When an
assignment has not been accepted, the assignment mode is left blank. In tutorial mode, the
TV displays the contents of the buret, pipet, graduated cylinders, and beakers when the
cursor is placed over the object. In the help mode, the TV lists the help menu for the
laboratory.

Indicator Chart. The indicator chart shows the color of each available indicator as a function
of pH. Clicking on the chart brings up a new window with the indicator chart enlarged for
easy viewing.

Exit. Clicking the exit sign exits the titration laboratory and returns the user to the general
chemistry laboratory.

LED Display. The LED display is used to display the temperature in the laboratory and the
current barometric pressure. The temperature or pressure is selected by clicking on the
appropriate label on the LED display. Note that the laboratory temperature is fixed at 25C
but the barometric pressure will change daily. The temperature and pressure are necessary for
buoyancy corrections.

Graduated Cylinders. There are four graduated cylinders (5, 10, 25, and 50 mL), and they are
used to measure volumes of reagents and water with intermediate accuracy and
reproducibility.

Water Bottle. The water bottle is used to add approximately 1 mL of water to a beaker or
graduated cylinder.

Distilled Water. Distilled water can be added to beakers and graduated cylinders by dragging
the beaker or graduated cylinder to the sink underneath the distilled water faucet (the faucet
closest to the wall). Distilled water is added as long as the beaker or graduated cylinder is
kept in the sink.

Disposal Bucket. The disposal bucket is used to discard beakers and the contents of
graduated cylinders. Clicking on the disposal bucket will clear the entire laboratory.

Indicators. For acid-base experiments, eight indicators are available on the lab bench. Colors
for each indicator as a function of pH are shown on the indicator chart. An indicator can only
be added to a beaker while it is on the stir plate and only one indicator can be added. An

indicator is added by either dragging the dropper to the beaker on the stir plate or doubleclicking on the selected indicator.

pH Standards. The pH 4 and pH 10 buffer standards are used to calibrate the pH meter before
measuring the pH of a solution. The calibration is accomplished by dragging the pH probe to
one of the buffer solutions and then clicking the appropriate pH button on the pH meter
window (after it has been turned on). A pH meter calibration requires both the pH 4 and pH
10 standards.

Meters. The pH meter and conductivity meter are used to measure and monitor the pH and
conductivity of the solution on the stir plate. For potentiometric experiments, the pH meter
turns into a voltmeter. Probes for the two meters are kept in the rack to the left of the meters,
and the probes can be dragged and then placed in the beaker on the stir plate. Note that the
pH meter must be calibrated with the pH 4 and pH 10 standard buffer solutions before
obtaining meaningful results. The meters are turned on by clicking on the red/green lights on
the meters, which will, in turn, open external windows for each meter. These windows are
used to display the readings for each meter and to save the data to the lab book.

Stir Plate. The stir plate is used to stir the analyte solution during the titration. Stirring is
turned on by clicking on the front dial. A red light illuminates when stirring is on.

Buret. The buret is used to deliver known volumes during the course of a titration. Solutions
are added to the buret by dragging the solution (either in a beaker or in a reagent bottle) to
the buret and holding while the solution is poured in. The stopcock has four available
delivery rates and is operated by clicking and dragging on the handle or by single-clicking on
one end of the stopcock. The stopcock can be closed quickly by double-clicking on the center
of the stopcock. Clicking on the buret will open an external window showing a close-up of
the meniscus in the buret.

Pipets. Pipets are used to deliver fixed volumes with high accuracy and reproducibility. A
pipet is placed on the ring stand by dragging a pipet from the drawer or by double clicking on
a pipet. A pipet is filled by placing a beaker contain the solution underneath the pipet and
then clicking on the pipet bulb to suck up the solution into the pipet. The solution in the pipet
is delivered by clicking on the pipet bulb.

Beakers. Needed beakers for any experiment are obtained by clicking and dragging from the
beaker drawer or by double-clicking on a beaker in the drawer. Beakers may be placed in the
balance area, on the stir plate, or on either side of the stir plate. Water can be added to a
beaker by dragging it to the sink and placing it under the distilled water faucet. Solutions are
added to beakers by dragging the bottle, another beaker, or a graduated cylinder to the beaker
and holding while the solution is poured out.

Reagent Bottles. Reagent bottles from the stockroom can be dragged from the counter and
placed on the laboratory bench next to the lab book. Solutions from these bottles can be
poured into beakers or graduated cylinders by dragging the bottle to the desired location and
then holding while the solution pours out.

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Lab Book. The lab book is used to record procedures and observations while performing
experiments in the virtual laboratory. Data from the experiments can also be saved as links in
the lab book where it can then be copied and pasted into an external spreadsheet program for
further analysis.

Balance Area. Clicking on the analytical balance will zoom into the balance area. While
zoomed in to the balance area, solids can be scooped out of the reagent bottle and then placed
on weighing paper or in a beaker for weighing. Solutions can also be weighed on the
analytical balance. Items to be weighed must be placed in the balance area before zooming
in. The operation of the analytical balance is similar to those found in typical instructional
laboratories. Clicking on the Return to Lab arrow will return the user back to the laboratory
view.

Bell. The bell located on the stockroom counter is used to access Help.

Transferring Solutions
Solutions are generally transferred from a beaker, bottle, or graduated cylinder to another
container by dragging the item with the solution and dropping it onto another beaker, graduated
cylinder, or the buret. Details and exceptions to this general rule are given below, and details on
using the pipets and buret are given in their respective sections. Note that solutions and reagents
cannot be mixed except on the stir plate while doing an actual titration. However, inert salts can
be added to an analyte solution in order to study the effect of changes in the ionic strength.
(1) Solutions from bottles can be poured into beakers and the buret by clicking and dragging the
bottle to a beaker or the buret and holding while the solution pours out. The solution will
continue to pour as long as the bottle is held in place. For beakers, spilling will occur if too
much solution is added. For the buret, pouring proceeds until the buret is filled to the zero
mark.
(2) To transfer solutions to the graduated cylinders, drag the bottle or beaker containing the
solution and drop it on the selected graduated cylinder. This will transfer enough solution to
the fill the graduate cylinder to the indicated volume. Bottles contain an infinite source of
solution, but if a beaker does not contain sufficient solution for the selected graduated
cylinder, then the cylinder will only be partially filled.
(3) Solutions in beakers can be transferred to the buret, graduated cylinders, or another beaker.
This is done by dragging the beaker and dropping it on the selected item. In the case of the
buret and graduated cylinders, enough solution will be transferred to fill to the top of the
container. In the case of another beaker, the entire volume of solution will be transferred
from the first beaker to the second beaker.
(4) Water can be added to beakers and graduated cylinders by dragging the beaker or graduated
cylinder to the sink and placing it underneath the distilled water faucet. Water will continue
to be added as long as the beaker or graduated cylinder is in the sink. For beakers, spilling
will occur if too much water is added. For graduated cylinders, filling will automatically stop
11

when the graduated cylinder is full. Note that water can be added to an existing solution to
dilute it.

Figure 4. The zoomed in or balance view. Each of the different parts of the balance area are
labeled. See below for more details.

Analytical Balance
Overview. Clicking on the balance while in the main laboratory zooms into the balance view

(shown in Figure 4) where solid reagents and solutions can be weighed on the analytical balance.
The primary use of the balance in the virtual laboratory is to weigh out solid reagents and to
weigh the water delivered by the pipets and the buret in order to calibrate them. The essential
features of the balance view are described below.

Balance. The simulated balance is modeled after a typical analytical balance with a mass
resolution of 0.2 mg. Items (beakers, weighing paper, and solids) can be weighed by
dragging and dropping the item on the balance. The balance has a maximum capacity of 200
g. The Tare button can be used to tare or zero out the balance.
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Weigh Paper. A piece of weighing paper can be dragged from the stack of papers to either
the balance or to the lab bench. Solid can be transferred from the reagent bottle to the
weighing paper in the balance for weighing or onto the weighing paper on the bench top.
Any solid on a weighing paper can be dragged and dropped into the beaker.

Beaker. An empty beaker or one with a solution or water can be placed in the balance area
for weighing. The balance area is the only location in the simulated laboratory where solid
can be taken from a reagent bottle and then transferred either to a weighing paper or to a
beaker. Note that solid can also be transferred directly to the beaker while the beaker is on
the balance.

Scoop. The scoop is used to transfer solid from the reagent bottle to either a weighing paper
or to the beaker. The scoop is used by clicking on the scoop and dragging it to the mouth of
the reagent bottle (with the lid off), and then pulling the scoop down the bottle label to one of
the five scoop sizes shown on the label to select the amount of solid to place on the scoop.
After solid is on the scoop, it can then be dropped on a weighing paper or on the beaker.

Solid Reagent Bottle. Solid reagents must be placed in the balance area before solid can be
transferred to a beaker. The balance area is the only location where solids can be transferred
from the solid reagent bottles. When a bottle is placed in the balance area, the bottle lid is
still on but can be removed by clicking on the lid. The lid can be replaced by clicking on the
mouth of the jar. The bottle label, while in the balance area, shows scoops with five different
amounts of solids. These are used to determine the amount of solid to place on the scoop.

Disposal Bucket. The disposal bucket is used to dispose of weighing paper or the beaker.
Note that if the beaker is dropped on the disposal bucket, the beaker and its contents will be
discarded.

Zoom Out. Clicking on the Zoom Out arrow will return the user to the regular laboratory
view.

Weighing Solids. In the titration simulation, solids are weighed using the following sequence: (1)

Place a solid reagent bottle and a beaker in the balance area and then click on the balance to
zoom in. (2) Place either the beaker or a weighing paper on the balance and then Tare the
balance. (3) Click on the reagent bottle lid to open it. (4) Click and drag on the scoop and place it
in the bottle and then, without letting go, drag the scoop down the bottle label to choose the
amount of solid to place on the scoop. (5) Now drag the scoop to the beaker or weighing paper
on the balance until it snaps in place and drop the solid. (6) Repeat the scooping step as
necessary to measure out the necessary quantity of solid. (7) If a weighing paper was used to
weigh out the solid, drag the weighing paper with solid to the beaker and drop it to transfer the
solid.

Pipets
Pipets are used to make accurate volumetric transfers of solutions of a fixed volume. The
titration simulation has a set of 5, 10, and 25 mL pipets located in the right laboratory drawer.
13

These pipets are used by (1) double clicking on the desired pipet or dragging the desired pipet to
the clamp on the left of the buret, (2) placing the solution (in a beaker) underneath the pipet, (3)
clicking on the pipet bulb to draw up the solution, (3) placing an empty beaker underneath the
pipet, and (4) clicking on the pipet bulb again to drain the liquid into a separate beaker. Note that
the pipets deliver reproducible volumes within the typical errors associated with volumetric
glassware, but the volume delivered is not exactly the volume indicated on the selected pipet.
The pipets can be calibrated by delivering water into a beaker and then weighing the amount of
water delivered by the pipet.

Buret and Graphing

The buret is used to deliver known volumes during the
course of a titration. Solutions are added to the buret
by dragging the solution (either in a beaker or in a
reagent bottle) to the buret and holding while the
solution is poured in. The stopcock has four available
delivery rates and is operated by clicking and dragging
on the handle or by single-clicking on one end of the
stopcock. The stopcock can be closed quickly by
double-clicking on the center of the stopcock. Clicking
on the buret will open an external window showing a
close-up of the meniscus in the buret. The volume can
be read manually by interpolating the bottom of the
meniscus against the volume scale on the buret, or the
volume can be read automatically by saving data to the
lab book by clicking on the Save button. More detail
on automatically saving the titration data is given in
the Saving Data section below.
Also located on the Buret
Window is the Graph button.
Clicking on the Graph button will
bring up a graphing window that
will plot the pH (or potential for
potentiometric experiments) as a
function of volume titrated during
the course of the titration. The
graph will also plot the
conductivity of the solution. The
Save button will save the graph to
the lab book, and the Clear button
will clear the graph. When
allowed by the instructor, the Plot
Window is an effective means to monitor the titration as titrant is added, but it is not intended for
any serious data analysis. Data analysis should be performed on the actual data saved to the lab
book using the Save button located on the Buret Window or on the meter windows.

14

Meters
The pH meter and conductivity meter are used to
measure and monitor the pH and conductivity of the
solution on the stir plate during the course of a titration.
For potentiometric experiments, the pH meter turns into
a voltmeter. Probes for the two meters are kept in the
rack to the left of the meters, and the probes can be
dragged and then placed in the beaker on the stir plate.
Note that the pH meter must be calibrated with the pH 4
and pH 10 standard buffer solutions before obtaining
meaningful results. The meters are turned on by clicking
on the red/green lights on the meters, which will, in turn,
open external windows for each meter. These windows
are used to display the readings for each meter and to
save the data to the lab book.
The Save button on each meter window is used to save the volume, pH (or potential), and
conductivity to the lab book. The Save buttons on the meter windows perform the same function
as the Save button on the Buret Window. Clicking on any of the Save buttons (except on the Plot
Window) initiates the saving process to the lab book. Details on saving data to the lab book are
given below.
The pH probe must be calibrated with the pH 4 and pH 10 buffer solutions before the meter will
display the correct pH. This is done by placing the probe in the pH 4 buffer and then pressing the
pH 4 button and repeating the process for the pH 10 solution except clicking on the pH 10
button. The calibration must be performed each time the pH meter is turned on.

Indicators
For acid-base
experiments, eight
indicators are
available on the lab
bench. Colors for
each indicator as a
function of pH are
shown on the
indicator chart.
Clicking on the chart
brings up a new
window with the
indicator chart
enlarged for easy
viewing. An
indicator can only be
added to a beaker
15

while it is on the stir plate and only one indicator can be added. An indicator is added by either
dragging the dropper to the beaker on the stir plate or double-clicking on the selected indicator.

Pull-Down TV
In the upper right-hand corner of the laboratory above the indicator chart is a small handle,
which when clicked, pulls down a TV and can display information in three different modes:
Tutorial. The tutorial mode is the default mode for the TV, and its purpose is to show the
contents of beakers, pipets, graduated cylinders, and the buret when these items are pointed to
with the mouse.
Assignments. In assignment mode, the TV displays the assignment instruction text for the
currently accepted assignment. This allows easy reference to the instructions while performing
the work in the virtual laboratory. When an assignment has not been accepted, the assignment
mode is left blank. Note that not all assignments will have instructions associated with them.
Help. In help mode, the table of contents for the laboratory help is listed on the TV. Clicking a
subject listed in the table of contents brings up the help window.

Saving Data
An important element in the titration simulation is the ability to save the volume, pH (or
potential), and conductivity data from the titration to the lab book and later copy that data to an
external spreadsheet program for further analysis. This is done by clicking on any of the Save
buttons on the Buret Window or on the meter windows. This, in turn, will create a link in the
electronic lab book where all the volume, pH (or potential), and conductivity data will be saved
as the titration proceeds. The saving process will continue automatically as titrant is delivered
from the buret until the Save button (now labeled Stop) is clicked again. If the data set becomes
too large, then new links will be automatically created. The electronic lab book must be open for
data to be saved. Clicking on the link in the lab book will bring up a data window displaying all
the saved data in columns. This data can be selected, copied, and then pasted into an external
spreadsheet program for further analysis. Note that the density of points saved to the lab book is
governed by the delivery rate of titrant from the buret. A high density of points, which would
needed around the equivalence point, would correspond to a slow delivery rate. During the
course of the titration, the delivery rate can be changed as needed by monitoring the titration
using the Plot Window.

Stockroom
Overview
The stockroom (shown in Figure 5) is used to select reagents for work in the laboratory, create
practice unknowns, or retrieve assigned unknowns from the instructor. The essential features of
the stockroom are described in the following list.

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Figure 5. The titration stockroom. Reagents for titration experiments can be selected by
dragging bottles down to the stockroom counter. The clipboard is used to select
preset experiments or view assignment instructions.

Reagents. Reagents for titration experiments are selected by clicking on the chosen bottles
from the reagent shelves and dragging them to the stockroom counter. Bottles can also be
selected by double-clicking on the bottle. Bottles are returned to the reagent shelves in a
similar manner. For acid-base experiments, any combination of an acid and base, acid and
acid, or base and base can be selected for a titration. For acid-base experiments, an inert salt
may also be selected. For potentiometric experiments, any combination of an oxidant and
reductant can be selected.

Unknown Shelf. The unknown shelf is used to retrieve assigned and practice unknowns and
to create practice unknowns. Assigned unknowns will occupy the three left-most positions on
the shelf and practice unknowns will occupy the three right-most positions. Clicking on the
Unknowns sign will zoom into the unknown shelf and allow practice unknowns to be
defined.

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Clipboard. Clicking on the clipboard gives access to 15 preset titration experiments that are
already predefined and ready to run. Be aware that access to these preset experiments can be
turned off by the instructor. The clipboard also gives access to instructions for assigned
unknowns given by the instructor.

Activity Coefficients. The activity coefficient box allows the activity coefficients to be turned
off in the calculations of pH and voltage for the titration experiments. Some instructors may
use this to explore the importance of activity coefficients in equilibrium calculations.

Bell. As in most stockrooms, the bell is used to access Help for the stockroom.

Return to Lab Arrow. Clicking the Return to Lab arrow returns the user to the laboratory.

Selecting Reagents
Reagents for titration experiments are selected by clicking on the chosen bottles from the reagent
shelves and dragging them to the stockroom counter or by double-clicking on the bottle. Bottles
are returned to the reagent shelves in a similar manner. For acid-base experiments, any
combination of an acid and base, acid and acid, or base and base can be selected for a titration.
For acid-base experiments, an inert salt may also be selected. For potentiometric experiments,
any combination of an oxidant and reductant can be selected.

Preset Experiments
When allowed by the instructor, the clipboard gives access to a list of 15 titration experiments
that are predefined and ready to run. To select one of these experiments, click on the clipboard
and then click on the desired experiment. The appropriate reagents will be automatically selected
and placed on the stockroom counter. Clicking the Return to Lab arrow will then automatically
place the reagents on the table in the laboratory and setup of the experiment. If, after having
selected the preset experiment from the clipboard, the reagents on the stockroom counter are
touched or moved before returning to the laboratory, the preset nature of the experiment will be
turned off and the experiment will have to be setup manually in the laboratory. Several of the
preset experiments come with reagents with unknown concentrations or unknown impurity
levels. The purpose of these preset experiments is to determine the concentration of the unknown
solution or the weight percentage of the unknown solid. When reporting these unknowns to your
instructor, be sure to include the unknown number.
The following point should be kept in mind: The 15 preset experiments that are included with the
installation cover many of the fundamental titration experiments in acid-base and
electrochemistry. These preset experiments are only a small set of the large number of
experiments that can be designed and implemented in this simulation.

Assignments
Below the preset experiments on the clipboard, the next available titration assignment that has
been released by the instructor will be listed. The information given in this assignment area is the
assignment number, the title of the assignment, the due date, and the points possible. A titration

18

assignment consists of one or two bottles (called unknowns) placed on the left side of the
unknown shelf that contain a solution of unknown concentration and/or a solid with an unknown
weight percentage. A third bottle may also be placed on the unknown shelf for acid-base
assignments containing an inert salt required for the titration. As part of the assignment, reagents
normally placed on the reagent shelves may be removed, assigned new known concentrations, or
assigned new unknown concentrations. Certain pieces of equipment may also be made
unavailable.
An assignment is accepted by dragging the unknowns off the unknown shelf and placing them on
the stockroom counter. Any changes in the regular reagent bottles on the reagent shelves will be
made at this time. As part of the assignment, instructions may also be included which can be
found on the clipboard by clicking on the View Assignment Instructions label located below the
assignment information. The instructions can also be found on the TV while the unknowns are
out in the laboratory.
When an assignment has been accepted, two changes are made to the operation of the laboratory.
(1) Clicking on the Assignment button on the pull-down TV will display the assignment
instructions. The assignment instructions on the TV are a reference while doing the work in the
laboratory and will be available as long as the assignment is out in the laboratory. (2) After an
assignment has been accepted, a new section is created in the lab book (named with the
assignment number) where only the notes and saved data associated with that assignment can be
recorded. Each assignment will have its own section, and these sections can only be modified
while the assignment is out in the laboratory. When the experimental work is finished and the
observations, results, and conclusions have been recorded in the lab book, the assignment is
submitted for grading by clicking on the Report button in the lab book. As part of the reporting
process, all unknown concentrations and weight percents will need to be recorded. After
submitting an assignment, further editing in the assignment section is locked out. See the Report
section below for more detail.
The laboratory can be put back into a normal exploratory mode by either reporting the
assignment, clearing the laboratory by returning the reagents to the stockroom or by clicking on
the disposal bucket.

Creating Practice Unknowns

Practice unknowns can be generated that will allow students to test titration procedures and
calculations without a score being assigned to the result. The practice unknown view (shown in
Figure 6) is accessed by clicking on the Unknowns label on the unknown shelf. The key
elements of the unknown view include (a) the three unknown bottles, (b) the acid/base
potentiometric switch, and (c) the Return to Stockroom arrow.
A practice unknown is defined using the following steps:
(1) Use the acid/base potentiometric switch to define the unknowns as either acid-base or
potentiometric.

19

Figure 6. The practice unknown view in the stockroom as accessed by clicking on the
Unknowns sign on the unknown shelf. Practice unknowns are defined by
selecting a reagent, defining the minimum and maximum range for the
concentration or weight percent, and returning to the stockroom.
(2) Using the drop-down list on one of the bottles, select a reagent that will be used as the
unknown. The drop-down list can be accessed by either clicking on the arrow or the Select
Unknown at the top of the label.
(3) Define the minimum and maximum range within which the random concentration or weight
percent will be generated.
(4) Repeat this process for the other bottles if necessary. Note that each bottle is an independent
unknown and that only one practice unknown can be out in the laboratory at any given time.
The three bottles allow multiple unknowns to be defined at the same time for convenience.
(5) Click on the Return to Stockroom arrow to return to the stockroom and generate the
unknowns. The actual concentrations or weight percentages of the unknowns are accessed by
reporting the results in the lab book using the Report button. New unknown concentrations
are automatically generated after reporting the results.
20

Lab Book
The laboratory notebook is used to write and save experimental procedures and observations for
each student and to submit the results of assignments. Data from the titration laboratory can also
be saved to the lab book for later reference and more detailed analysis. The notebook is
organized by sections and pages. New pages can be created as needed for each section. The first
section is labeled Practice and is always the section that is available to the student anytime an
instructor assignment is not out in the laboratory. When an assignment is accepted for the first
time, a new section is created in the lab book (named with the assignment number) where only
the notes associated with that assignment can be recorded. Each assignment will have its own
section, and these sections can only be modified while the assignment is out in the laboratory.
Once an assignment has been submitted for grading, no other modifications are allowed. After an
assignment has been submitted, an extra page is added to the end of the section where grading
information will be posted.
The lab book is launched by clicking once on the lab book located on the bench top. Detailed
information on how to use the lab book is located in the lab book sections below.

21

Electronic Lab Book

Figure 7. The electronic lab book used by the student to record notes.

Overview
The laboratory notebook is used to write and save experimental procedures and observations for
each student and to submit the results of assignments to the instructor for grading. In addition,
TLC plates and NMR and IR spectra from the organic laboratory; detector output from the
quantum laboratory; P, V, T, and n data from the gases laboratory; volume, pH/voltage, and
conductivity data from titration experiments; and time versus temperature data from the
calorimetry laboratory can be saved in the notebook as well.
The notebook is organized by sections and pages. The section name and current page number for
the section are listed at the top of the page. New pages can be created as needed for each section.
The default section is labeled Practice and is always the section that is available to the student
when an assignment is not out in the laboratory. When an assignment is accepted for the first
time, a new section is created in the lab book (named with the assignment number) where only
the notes associated with that assignment can be recorded. Each assignment will have its own
section, and these sections can only be modified while the assignment is out in the laboratory.
Once an assignment has been submitted for grading, no other modifications are allowed. After an
22

assignment has been submitted, an extra page is added to the end of the section where grading
information will be posted. Note that electronic assignments can only be accepted and submitted
for a client/server installation or when web connectivity has been enabled.

Typing/Editing Notes and Inserting Links

To start recording notes on the current page, click the page until a cursor appears.
Notes can be typed as normal until the bottom of the page. New pages are not automatically
created. Text can be inserted past the end of the page (and accessed using the arrow keys), but
text that extends beyond the end of the page is not accessible to the instructor during grading.
Text is always inserted when typed, and text can be deleted with both the forward and backward
delete keys. Blocks of text can be marked using conventional methods, which in turn, can be cut,
copied, and pasted using Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c, and Ctrl-v, respectively, for PC computers or Cmd-x,
Cmd-c, and Cmd-v for Macintosh. Mouse clicks or arrow keys are used to move around on the
page. No other keys are defined for the lab book.
When you generate TLC plates, NMR spectra, and IR spectra in the organic laboratory; detector
output from the quantum laboratory; P, V, T, and n data from the gases laboratory; volume,
pH/voltage, and conductivity data from the titration laboratory; or time versus temperature data
from the calorimetry laboratory, you can save these results to the lab book by pressing the Save
or Record button on the appropriate window. Each TLC, NMR, IR, detector output, gas data,
titration data, or calorimetry data saved in the lab book is saved as a link (in blue or red) with a
unique label and is placed on the last line of the current page. Clicking a link displays the saved
item as it was originally shown in the laboratory. NMR spectra and IR spectra saved from the
spectra library are labeled as such. Gas, titration, or calorimetry data that were saved during an
experiment are displayed as a table in a display window and can be copied and pasted into a
spreadsheet program for further analysis. Links can be deleted from the lab book by deleting the
entire link label, and links can be moved by adding or deleting text around a link. Links cannot
be moved using cut (or copy) and paste commands.

Navigation
Moving around inside the lab book from page to page and section to section is accomplished
using the four buttons grouped at the top of the left page of the lab book. The functionality for
each of these buttons is described in the sections that follow.

Prev/Next
The Previous and Next buttons are used to go to the previous or next page in the current section.
If a page in either the downward or the upward direction is not available in the section, the
button is grayed out and not active.

Search Notes
The Search Notes button is used to specify a word or an exact phrase that can be searched for in
the current section or in the entire lab book. Shown on the right is the Search dialog area that is
placed on the left page of the lab book when the Search Notes button has been pressed. The text

23

box is used to enter the word or words that will be searched for. The
Search button initiates the search for the word or words typed in the
text box. If a match is found, the page with the match will be shown
on the right page of the lab book with the match highlighted. Pressing
the Search button again will search for the next occurrence. After a
match has been found, pressing the OK button will close the Search
dialog and switch the lab book to the new page. Pressing the Cancel
button closes the Search dialog and keeps the lab book on the old
page. The Current Section and All Sections radio buttons specify
whether the search is to be made on the current section or over all
sections in the lab book, respectively.

Go To Page
The Go To Page button is used to jump to any page in any of the sections in the lab book. Shown
in the accompanying figure is the
dialog box that is displayed when the
Go To Page button is pressed. The
first box lists the available sections in
the lab book by name. Clicking one of
these will then list the available pages
for the highlighted section in the
second box. Clicking one of the pages
will switch the lab book to the
indicated page and section. Pressing
the Cancel button keeps the lab book
on the old page.

Functions
Grouped below the navigation buttons are a set of buttons which perform various functions in the
lab book. These functions are described in the sections that follow.

New Page
This button creates a new page at the end of the current section. The button is only active when
you are on the last page of the section. Pages cannot be inserted elsewhere in the section.

Delete Page
This button deletes the current page in the currently selected section. A warning is given before
the deletion occurs.

Rename Section
This buttons brings up a dialog box that allows the name of
the current section to be changed. By default, the first section
in the lab book is given the name Practice, and other sections
24

that are added to the lab book for each assignment are given the name Assignment n where n
represents the assignment number. The practice section is for keeping notes when exploring and
learning in the laboratory, and the assignment sections are used for keeping notes during
assignments and are eventually graded by the instructor. The Rename Section function allows
these default names to be changed.

Print
This button brings up a dialog box that allows either the current page or the current section to be
printed to a user-selected printer. Links cannot be printed.

Report
This button allows the current assignment to be submitted to the instructor for grading and is
only active when an assignment is out in the laboratory. Upon submitting an assignment for
grading, further modifications to the assignment section are locked out and an extra page is
added to the end of the section containing grading information specific to the assignment. The
exception to this is when an Inorganic or Titration practice unknown is submitted which only
reveals the actual contents or concentration of the unknown and no grading is performed. If web
connectivity has been enabled (see the Web Options button below) then, after submitting the
assignment, the student will be prompted to update these results to the server immediately. If
Automatic Updates has been selected, this update is performed automatically after submitting the
assignment.

Inorganic Assignments Pressing the Report button for an inorganic assignment brings up a
report window where the possible cations in the unknown are listed. To report the contents of
the unknown, click the appropriate tiles corresponding to the cations present in the unknown.
For assigned unknowns, these selections can be saved by pressing the Save button allowing
the user to return to the lab for further work on the unknown. The Save button is disabled for
practice unknowns. When the assigned or practice unknown is ready for grading, click the
Submit button, which in turn, brings up a warning box stating that no further modifications
can be made to the assignment. Clicking OK submits the unknown and then marks each
cation in the unknown as correct (green) or incorrect (red). For assigned unknowns, the score
is also posted, and the entire grading report is written on the last page of the assignment
section.

Quantum Assignments Pressing the Report button for a quantum assignment brings up a
text box warning the student that submitting an assignment prevents further modification of
the assignment section. Selecting OK brings up a second warning box which, when OK is
selected again, submits the assignment, closes the lab book, and clears the laboratory.
Grading information is placed on the last page of the section.

Gases Assignments Pressing the Report button for a gases assignment brings up a text box
warning the student that submitting an assignment prevents further modification of the
assignment section. Selecting OK brings up a second warning box which, when OK is
selected again, submits the assignment, closes the lab book, and clears the laboratory.
Grading information is placed on the last page of the section.
25

Figure 8. The report window for reporting inorganic assignments. Use the
Return to Notes button to cancel the submission process.

Titration Assignments Pressing the Report button for a titration assignment brings up a
dialog box which asks the student to enter the concentration or weight percent of the
unknown or unknowns that were assigned. A warning is also given about locking out the
section after the assignment has been submitted. Selecting OK brings up a second warning
box which, when OK is selected again, submits the entered values, submits the section notes,
pops up a text box with the correct values, closes the lab book, and clears the laboratory. The
correct concentrations and/or weight percents, the entered concentrations and/or weight
percents, and grading information is placed on the last page of the section.

Calorimetry Assignments Pressing the Report button for a calorimetry assignment brings up
a dialog box, which asks the student to enter the heat of reaction, solution, or combustion or
the heat capacity of the unknown or unknowns that were assigned. Note that it is important to
play close attention to the units that are requested. A warning is also given about locking out
the section after the assignment has been submitted. Selecting OK brings up a second
warning box which, when OK is selected again, submits the entered values, submits the
section notes, pops up a text box with the correct values, closes the lab book, and clears the
laboratory. The correct values, the entered values, and grading information is placed on the
last page of the section.

26

Web Options
Overview. This button is the main access point for the web connectivity option of the program.
The Virtual ChemLab simulations can be installed in a client/server mode or in a
standalone/student mode. In the client/server mode (a typical computer lab installation)
electronic assignments and notebook submissions are handled directly through the local area
network. In the student mode, there is no direct connection to receive assignments or submit
results and, therefore, the simulations are limited to working locally without electronic
assignments. Consequently, paper assignments or exploratory work are the typical applications
for a student version. With the Web Options function, a web-based connection can be established
and configured to enable the exchange of electronic assignments and notebook results without a
direct network connection. Some computer lab installations may find this to be the favored mode
of operation as well.
The information that is needed to setup web connectivity is (1) a user ID, (2) a password (often
your student ID), and (3) the URL for the web connection. This information must be provided by
the instructor or system administrator. Once this information has been obtained, you will then
only need an active network connection either through a dialup service, cable modem, DSL
service, regular campus access, or any other valid means. Note that a network connection is only
necessary when updating notebook results and receiving assignments. All other activity in the
simulations can be performed off-line.

Figure 9. The Web Options page used for establishing and configuring
web connectivity. Web connectivity allows for the exchange of
electronic assignments and notebook results via the internet.
27

Shown in Figure 9 is the Web Options page after it has been enabled for web connectivity. There
are four functions performed on this page: (1) Enable web connectivity, (2) Create local user
accounts by specifying the user ID, password, and URL, (3) Retrieve from and update to the
web, and (4) Delete local user accounts. Descriptions of each button and text field is given
below.
Enable Web Connection. Clicking this button turns on the web connectivity functionality and
allows local user accounts to be created (see Create Account below). As shown in Figure 12, the
web connectivity has already been enabled. Once at least one user account has been successfully
created, the web connectivity functionality cannot be disabled until all local accounts have been
deleted (see Delete below).
Create Account. Because class assignments, notebooks, and grades are unique to each student
registered in the ChemLab database, a unique account must be created for each user on each
computer. Clicking the Create Account button allows a new local user account to be created by
entering a valid user ID, password, and URL. There are two important considerations to keep in
mind when creating accounts. First, before any accounts are created, access to the laboratories is
immediate and bypasses the card reader requesting password (student ID) information. The first
account can only be created in the lab book using the Create Account button, and subsequent
entry into the laboratories will require providing the correct password at the card reader. After
the first account has been created, new local accounts can be created using the Add New User
button on the card reader. Second, for computer lab installations, each user cannot be guaranteed
of using the same computer each time they access the program. Consequently, their local account
will not always be found on the computer available to them. The Add New User button on the
card reader will be useful to create local accounts as needed when using different computers.
User ID. To create a local account, a valid user ID must be entered in this field. This user ID will
be provided by the instructor and is case sensitive. The user ID is typically the first 6 letters of
the last name followed by the first and middle initials (for example, SmithJD). The entered user
ID is saved by clicking on the Save button or by pressing Enter or Tab. Using Enter or Tab will
automatically advance the cursor to the password field.
Password. A password is also necessary to create a local account and will be provided by the
instructor. The password is also case sensitive. The password entered here will also be the same
password (usually a student ID) that will be used to enter into the laboratory at the card reader
(see Create Account). The entered password is saved by clicking on the Save button or by
pressing Enter or Tab. Using Enter or Tab will automatically advance the cursor to the URL
field.
URL. The actual web connectivity functionality works by passing assignment and notebook
information between the student and a central database via a servlet engine running on a web
server at a certain URL address. The exact (case sensitive) URL address that will be used to pass
assignment and notebook information must be specified in this field. The URL address will be
provided by the instructor. Note that the most recent valid URL address will become the default
address for any subsequent local user accounts; however, each local user may have a unique
URL address. Also note that most URL addresses will be longer than the length of the text box

28

provided. Text at the end of the URL can be accessed by using the arrow keys. Pressing Enter or
the Save button will initiate the account validation process. An internet connection is necessary
in order to validate the user ID and password information.
Enable Automatic Updates. Checking this box will enable automatic updates (both receiving
from and sending to the server) when entering the laboratory at the card reader, exiting a
laboratory, and when submitting assignments. This option is recommended when an internet
connection is continuously available. This option is also permanently selected for computer lab
installations using web connectivity.
Send Updates. Clicking on this button will immediately send the notebook and assignment
information up to the server where they will be collected by the instructor. This button is the only
location where updates can be sent to the server on demand; however, warnings are given to
update to the server when exiting laboratories and submitting assignments. If the Send Updates
button has been clicked even though there have been no changes made to the notebook, a
warning is given indicating that an update is not needed. If an update is still selected (by
clicking Yes at the prompt), then an update will be forced to the server replacing any old
information.
Receive Updates. Clicking on this button will immediately collect any new assignments,
messages, or grading information posted by the instructor. This button is the only location where
updates can be received from the server on demand; however, an update can be performed
automatically at the card reader if Enable Automatic Updates has been selected. If the Receive
Updates button has been clicked even though there have been no changes made to the
information on the server, a warning is given indicating that an update is not needed. If an update
is still selected (by clicking Yes at the prompt), then an update will be forced from the server
replacing any old information stored locally.
Save. Clicking the Save button saves any text entered in the User ID, Password, or URL fields.
Clicking Save in the URL box also initiates the account validation process with the server.
Cancel. Clicking the Cancel button cancels the account creation process and resets the Web
Options page back to its initial state. Clicking Cancel does not cancel any web operations that
may be in progress.
Delete. Clicking on this button deletes the current local account from the local hard drive and
returns the user back to the hallway. Deleting all the local user accounts returns the software
back to the original installed state and disables the web connectivity option. A warning is given
before the actual account deletion occurs.

29