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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > August  >
Chemistry for Everyone
JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations
Stilling Waves with Ordered Molecular Monolayers
Ed Vitz
Department of Physical Sciences, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

checked by James H. Maynard
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Cover
August 2008
Vol. 85 No. 8
p. 1064

Abstract
A demonstration of the damping effect of an oil monolayer on water waves is described. The history of this remarkable demonstration—with a 2000 (or more) year span—and a brief explanation in terms of the properties of water and the monolayer are presented. If a layer of olive oil, one molecule thick (about one-ten millionth of a centimeter), is applied to the surface of rough water, the waves are dramatically calmed. The amazing ability of a film one molecule thick to dissipate the relatively large energy of water waves can be readily demonstrated, but an explanation of the effect has been elusive until recently.
More Information
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Citation
Vitz, Ed. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1064.
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Keywords
Demonstrations; Elementary / Middle School Science; Fatty Acids; First-Year Undergraduate / General; General Public; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Lipids; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Molecular Properties / Structure; Noncovalent Interactions; Physical Chemistry; Surface Science; Upper-Division Undergraduate; Water / Water Chemistry
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/23/2008
7/2/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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