NDLI: The Oil Drop Experiment: Do Physical Chemistry Textbooks Refer to its Controversial Nature?

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Niaz, Mansoor Rodríguez, María A.
Copyright Year	2005
Abstract	Most general chemistry textbooks consider the oil drop experiment as a classic experiment, characterized by its simplicity and precise results. A review of the history and philosophy of science literature shows that the experiment is difficult to perform (even today!) and generated a considerable amount of controversy. Acceptance of the quantization of the elementary electrical charge was preceded by a bitter dispute between R.A. Millikan and F. Ehrenhaft, that lasted for many years (1910–1925). The objective of this study was to investigate whether physical chemistry textbooks refer to the controversial nature of the experiment. Based on six criteria developed previously, 28 physical chemistry textbooks were evaluated. Analysis of the texts using six identified criteria demonstrated that the textbooks neither referred to the controversial nature of the experiment nor recognized the difficulty of the experimental procedure. Only a few texts even attempted to include any discussion of the history or philosophy of the experiment. The instructor of a physical chemistry course could include aspects of the Millikan–Ehrenhaft controversy to motivate classroom discussion and help facilitate an understanding of the role that controversy has in scientific progress.
Starting Page	43
Ending Page	57
Page Count	15
File Format	PDF
ISSN	09267220
Journal	Science & Education
Volume Number	14
Issue Number	1
e-ISSN	15731901
Language	English
Publisher	Kluwer Academic Publishers
Publisher Date	2005-01-01
Publisher Place	Dordrecht
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Philosophy of Science Mathematics Education History Interdisciplinary Studies
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Education

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