Summer Institute 2

Chemistry-Mathematics

What is really happening when an ice cube melts or when water boils? In this institute, we will explore together some simple facts about the building blocks of matter, called molecules, and the forces that hold them together. Computer models and mathematical descriptions of these forces will be used to help students develop accurate pictures of what happens in the submicroscopic world. We will first investigate the behavior of liquids, such as water, and how the types of forces between molecules has a dramatic impact on liquid behavior. Things will heat up after this, literally, as we discuss boiling of liquids and the strange things that happen to a fluid under extreme "supercritical" conditions. The mathematics of cubic equations provides a beautifully simple description here. Finally, we will use probability concepts to explore some fascinating connections between the molecular world and everyday issues like... why my hair is such a mess every morning! No prior knowledge of chemistry will be required, but one year of high school chemistry will be very helpful!

The application deadline for the Engineering-Math institute has passed.