Development of the Enthalpy and Entropy in Dissolution and Precipitation Inventory

Abstract

The Enthalpy and Entropy in Dissolution and Precipitation Inventory (E2DPI) has been developed to measure student understanding of the dissolution of ionic solutes, aqueous precipitation reactions, and the enthalpy and entropy changes that accompany these processes. The E2DPI was designed using a mixed-methods protocol, such that the questions on the instrument were grounded in the reasoning and explanations offered during the semi-structured interviews with general chemistry and physical chemistry students. The concept inventory was administered to general chemistry (n = 383), physical chemistry (n = 10), and biophysical chemistry students (n = 43) at one institution. The inventory was also administered at a second institution to students in a postorganic General Chemistry II course (n = 160). The validity and reliability of the data generated from the E2DPI were assessed using both qualitative and quantitative data. Some of the misconceptions assessed by the instrument and data indicating the prevalence of these ideas are presented.