I don't remember an anecdote, but the prime piece of "basic" physics information for understanding a catalyst effect is the EM near-field.
Many profs do not understand this very well either, since it is multi-disciplinary. The profs who are not polymaths are often relegating to teaching undergrads. This blip in Wiki does not give much insight on the chemical aspects of near fields, since it is basically an EM phenomenon, and the geometry for catalysis is closer for chemistry (few atoms thickness) but keep it in mind... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_and_far_field ...in the context of the "double layer" and you will have it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_layer_%28interfacial%29 Catalysis is well defined as a near-field reactive effect of the double-layer. From: francis [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 4:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Vo]:Anecdotes about teaching catalytic theory I recall reading an Anecdote about 2 professors arguing over catalytic action and how to teach it to 3rd years when they suddenly realize they are unable to teach even a simple basic theory that freshman could understand...does anyone recall having read same or possibly have a link to it? Fran
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